College Basketball Betting Picks for Tuesday 12/19/23

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. 22 Virginia Cavaliers at No. 23 Memphis Tigers

Under 131.5 (-110)

Tuesday's college basketball action includes a top-25 clash between Virginia and Memphis. These are two squads who rely on their defense as the Cavaliers have the 2nd-best mark in KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency while the Tigers have the 31st-best defensive efficiency.

Virginia gives up only 53.3 points per game (PPG) while opponents muster a mere 41.0% effective field goal percentage (eFG%), which are the second-best and best marks in the nation.

Memphis looks to attack the paint and get to the free throw line as they shoot 52.9% on two-pointers (75th percentile) and average 22.7 free throws attempted per game (85th percentile). The Cavaliers' stingy defense could have the tools to slow the Tigers in both areas.

Opponents shoot only 42.1% on two-pointers against Virginia (10th-lowest) and attempt just 13.5 free throws per game (10th-fewest). The Cavaliers' disciplined defense could give Memphis major headaches.

On the other side of the court, Virginia ranks 116th in adjusted offensive efficiency. The Tigers' defensive numbers pale in comparison to the Cavaliers' marks, such as ranking 223rd in allowed PPG.

Memphis does an excellent job of creating havoc, though, averaging 8.6 steals per game (89th percentile). Virginia also excels in the category with 8.8 steals per game (92nd percentile).

The Cavaliers, who play at the second-slowest tempo in the nation, could force the Tigers to play a slow and ugly game. With both teams bosting solid defenses that create turnovers, both offenses may have trouble finding a rhythm. Give me the under.

Troy Trojans at No. 25 Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss -12.5 (-115)

Ole Miss has been one of the surprises in the SEC. In Chris Beard's first season as head coach, the Rebels have already cracked the AP Top 25 Poll while holding a 10-0 record. However, according to FanDuel's college basketball conference odds, Ole Miss remains a long shot to win the SEC at +2500.

The Rebels are still looking to gain respect as they rank 90th in KenPom. This mostly due to their weak schedule, one that ranks 250th (out of 362 teams). Mississippi has another favorable matchup tonight against Troy, who is 197th in KenPom.

After Ole Miss has gone 4-1 against the spread (ATS) over their previous five games, I like the Rebels to cover yet again.

Ole Miss ranks in the 78th percentile of PPG allowed (67.8), and opponents have a 45.0 eFG% (93rd percentile). The Trojans have an inefficient offense with a 48.5 eFG% (bottom 37%) and a 41.4% field goal percentage (FG%), which ranks in the bottom 25%.

The Rebels also have an exceptional interior defense with 6.5 blocks per game (99th percentile) paired with opponents shooting only 47.2% on two-point looks (76th percentile).

Ultimately, I believe Ole Miss' defense will win the day, leading to a Rebels cover.

No. 6 Marquette Golden Eagles at Providence Friars

Providence +4.5 (-112)

Marquette remains atop the favorites to win the Big East at +170 -- tied with UConn. However, the Golden Eagles come off a concerning 84-79 win against St. Thomas in a game where they were 22.5-point favorites. After failing to cover back-to-back games, could Marquette be in trouble?

Providence is 6-1 over their last seven games and is 3-1 ATS in their previous four home contests. The Friars could be poised for another cover against one of college basketball's best teams.

The Eagles' three-point defense is becoming a glaring weakness. In their close call against St. Thomas, Marquette gave up 13 made three-pointers and 34 three-point shots. The defense permits 23.9 attempts from deep per contest (bottom 24%).

Providence could be the ideal team to take advantage of this weakness as they attempt 23.8 threes per game (71st percentile). Devin Carter (15.5 PPG; 36.7% on threes) and Josh Oduro (14.0 PPG; 41.7% on threes) are a couple of shooters who could excel tonight.

The Friars also hold opponents to a 43.0 eFG% (98th percentile). Carter has been an excellent defender with a 2.92 Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating, per EvanMiya. He should be a huge help in slowing one the Marquette star guards -- Kam Jones (15.6 PPG) or Tyler Kolek (15.0 PPG).

Providence has shined at home, and with their ability to shoot threes and the solid defensive backcourt, the Friars could cover again.

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.