Big East conference action heats up on Wednesday's college hoops slate. Elsewhere, a pair of in-state rivals clash in a noteworthy non-con matchup. Here are my predictions for three select games on Wednesday evening.
Top College Basketball Best Bets for Today
For up-to-the-minute updates on injuries, player performance and the transfer portal, head RotoWire's latest college basketball news page or follow @RotoWireCBB on X.
Creighton 
at Xavier 
The Musketeeers are elite in two areas: making threes and protecting the ball. The Bluejays, as it turns out, aren't great defensively in these two areas. Xavier has the best offensive turnover percentage among all D-1 teams, while Creighton ranks 340th in defensive turnovers. Three-pointers account for 40 percent of Xavier's total points, the 19th-highest percentage in the nation, and the Musketeers have made 37 percent of attempts, so perimeter scoring is critical to their success. The Bluejays are allowing opponents to make 34 percent of three-point attempts (207th), so Xavier should get a shot off on most possessions.
At the other end of the court, Xavier hasn't played lights-out defense per se, but it's solid in many vital areas. For example, the Musketeers' defense ranks among the top 130 teams in turnover percentage, defensive rebounding, and free-throw attempt rate, outranking the Bluejays' offense in those same categories.
With Wednesday's game being at home, I like Xavier's chances of being locked in and making its usual barrage of three-pointers. I'm laying the points with the home team.
College Basketball Best Bet: Xavier -2.5
Check out the RotoWire CBB betting section for a complete list of the latest college basketball odds across multiple sportsbooks.
Vanderbilt 
at Memphis 
Vanderbilt's offense has a massive advantage over Memphis' defense. Specifically, the Commodores are strong on the offensive glass, ranking 112th in offensive rebounding percentage, while the Tigers are terrible on the defensive glass, ranking 318th in defensive rebounding. The other area of concern for Memphis' defense is at the charity stripe, where the Tigers frequently send opposing offenses. Memphis ranks 285th in free-throw attempt rate allowed, while Vanderbilt ranks 176th in free-throw attempt rate, so the Commodores will likely take a high amount of foul shots on Wednesday. On top of the frequency of expected trips to the charity stripe, Vanderbilt is also sharp at knocking them down, having made almost 76 percent of free-throw attempts (68th).
Memphis' offense doesn't necessarily have any significant advantages, but the Tigers have two things going for them. First, they're aggressive on the offensive glass, ranking 34th in offensive rebounding percentage. Second, Vanderbilt has a severe fouling problem on defense, ranking 333rd in free-throw attempt rate allowed. Memphis gets to the foul line close to the average rate, so they should be able to score a good amount of points off free throws on Wednesday.
I'm tempted to roll with Vanderbilt's offense, but I'm concerned the Commodores are due for a letdown. They are 10-0, and this is only their second true road game of the season. At the same time, I'd rather not fade them. So, instead, I'm taking the over since the game should feature a high volume of possessions.
College Basketball Best Bet: Over 159
Check out Caesars Sportsbook this season and use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code for one of the top college basketball betting promos out there.
Georgetown 
at Marquette 
The Golden Eagles have been reeling, but their Big East opener presents an opportunity to get right.
The key in this matchup is Marquette's offense against Georgetown's defense. The Hoyas aren't strong defensively to begin with, and they have a particular weakness the Golden Eagles can exploit. Georgetown ranks among the worst in the nation at fouling, 304th in free-throw attempt rate allowed, while Marquette is effective at getting to the foul line, 126th in free-throw attempt rate. The Golden Eagles aren't the sharpest-shooting bunch, but they're decent at protecting the ball (75th in turnovers) and at offensive rebounding (107th).
The Hoyas, meanwhile, have their own shooting woes. They have made just 29 percent of their shots from beyond the arc (315th), so they tend to rely on inside scoring and free throws for their production. Unfortunately for them, Marquette is good at avoiding fouls, 105th in free-throw attempt rate allowed, and is above average at interior defense, holding opponents to 51 percent on two-point attempts (160th).
Marquette hasn't looked great, but this matchup gives them a good shot at getting back on track. I'm taking the home team in this one.
College Basketball Best Bet: Marquette -4.5
Check out Fanatics Sportsbook to bet on National Championship Odds and use the Fanatics Sportsbook promo for a great welcome offer.
Wednesday College Basketball Best Bets:
Here's a recap of my best college basketball bets for Wednesday:
- Xavier -2.5
- Vanderbilt at Memphis - Over 159
- Marquette -4.5
For up-to-date information on the latest college basketball betting odds and props from multiple sources, check out the college basketball odds page on RotoWire.
