We don't have many D1 matchups offered on Wednesday's college hoops slate, but at least we still have a few noteworthy programs competing, as well as an intriguing matchup tipping off in Northern California.
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.
Top College Basketball Best Bets for Today
Southern 
at Marquette 
These two squads are playing on short rest, both having just played on Monday's season-opening slate. Marquette blew out Albany, 80-53, while Southern got roasted by Arkansas, 109-77.
In looking at Wednesday's matchup, while the Golden Eagles will likely win by a large margin, I prefer our chances of seeing a low-scoring game. Marquette has typically had an elite defense under head coach Shaka Smart, finishing in the top 30 of the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency in each of the past two years, and this season should be no different. KenPom has the current group ranked 13th in defensive efficiency.
We saw this defense on display when Marquette held its first opponent, Albany, to 53 points. And, as fate would have it, Wednesday's opponent, Southern, is similarly limited at the offensive end. The Jaguars rank 252nd in offensive efficiency compared to 275th for the Great Danes of Albany. The key difference between the two teams is that Southern is expected to have a much better defense, ranking 130th on that end of the court.
Given Marquette's defensive prowess and Southern's inability to score points, I'm betting we'll have a low final score. I'm on the under.
College Basketball Best Bet: Under 149.5
Cash in on the best sportsbook promos available at the best college basketball betting sites during March Madness 2025. The BetMGM bonus code gets new players one of the best welcome bonuses in the industry.
North Dakota State 
at UC Davis 
The Bison nearly stole a win in their season-opener at Oregon State, as they traded leads in the second half before losing on a game-winning layup in the final seconds. Now, North Dakota State travels down the West Coast to Davis, where the Aggies await. On paper, this is a much easier challenge for the road team. Oregon State is 140th on KenPom's overall efficiency chart, while UC Davis is further down the list at 260th.
The biggest difference between North Dakota State and UC Davis is arguably their offensive abilities. The Bison rank 177th in offensive efficiency, while the Aggies dwell near the bottom at 321st. At the other end of the court, UC Davis has the better defense (173rd in adj. efficiency), but the gap isn't as extreme considering NDSU ranks 232nd.
Considering North Dakota State has a much better offensive attack, I like the Bison's odds of coming away with a victory. I'm taking North Dakota State.
College Basketball Best Bet: North Dakota State +3.5
Check out Caesars Sportsbook this March Madness and use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code for one of the top college basketball betting promos out there.
East Texas A&M 
at New Mexico 
The New Mexico basketball program saw massive turnover in the offseason. Per UNM's media guide, the Lobos were one of three teams in the nation to not return a single player, coach, or basketball staff member from last year. Normally, this kind of turnover might spell disaster for the following season, but the Lobos hired Eric Olen from UC San Diego to lead the charge. Coach Olen oversaw the rise and development of the UCSD hoops program, culminating in an NCAA Tournament appearance last season, where the Tritons were a trendy pick to upset Michigan as a 12-seed thanks to a ferocious defense.
Considering the playing style and strength of Olen's recent teams, it's not surprising to see that KenPom has the Lobos slotted at 65th in adjusted defensive efficiency. Coach Olen guided the Tritons to a defensive ranking of 30th a year ago, so it's reasonable to think New Mexico will have a strong defense and will likely improve over the course of the season. Despite the roster turnover, the Lobos were picked fifth in the preseason Mountain West poll.
On paper, the Lobos picked an ideal opponent to open the season. East Texas A&M is ranked 332nd on KenPom's overall efficiency chart, with its offense particularly poor, ranking 344th. The Lions' defense is expected to be marginally better, 290th in efficiency, although still not great, obviously.
In looking at how the game might unfold, both head coaches have preferred a slower pace in recent seasons. Olen's two recent UCSD teams both ranked below 275th in the nation in adjusted tempo, while East Texas A&M coach Jaret Von Rosenberg saw his teams rank 255th or lower in average offensive possession length in each of the past two seasons.
Considering the new roster for UNM, and the defensive specialities of its new coach, I like our chances of seeing a low-scoring game. I'm taking the under.
College Basketball Best Bet: Under 143.5
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:
- Southern at Marquette - Under 149.5
- North Dakota State +3.5
- East Texas A&M at New Mexico - Under 143.5
For up-to-date information on the latest college basketball betting odds and props from multiple sportsbooks, check out the college basketball odds page on RotoWire.
