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  1. College Basketball Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 1/20
  2. Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas Prediction: Tuesday, 1/20
  3. Purdue vs. UCLA Prediction: Tuesday, 1/20
  4. Best College Basketball Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 1/20
  5. Get $1,500 in Bonus Bets Today at BetMGM Sportsbook When You Sign Up

The 2025-26 college basketball season is in full swing, and we’re here to help you cash in on the action. Let’s dive into the top college basketball best bets today for Tuesday, January 20th. We have multiple Top 25 teams headlining a jam-packed night of college hoops. Don’t miss out on the best college basketball picks below as you cash your own bets. Good luck! 

College Basketball Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 1/20

Our college basketball best bets today begin with arguably the best game on the schedule. Arkansas hosts Vanderbilt in a must-see SEC matchup of Top 25 squads. Plus, Purdue takes on UCLA for our other college basketball picks. Check out some more college basketball predictions below for other games tonight, including Georgia vs. Missouri and NC State vs. Clemson. Let’s jump in.  

 

 

 

Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas Prediction: Tuesday, 1/20

This is the marquee matchup on Tuesday night’s college basketball slate. We get No. 15 Vanderbilt amidst its best season in recent memory, and No. 20 Arkansas looking resurgent in John Calipari’s second year in town. The Commodores will be eager to return to the win column after losing back-to-back games. Meanwhile, the Razorbacks are in a similar position with losses in 2 of their last 3 contests. 

It all sets up for a fun SEC showdown that should be a tight, back-and-forth contest throughout. The game total is high, but we’re still taking the over in what will be a high-scoring matchup. Both squads bring in fast-paced and potent offenses that can set the tone early and often. 

Arkansas plays at the 20th-fastest tempo in the sport while ranking 10th in offensive efficiency, per KenPom. The Razorbacks also average 89.7 PPG (16th nationally), which rises to 97.4 PPG when at home. They’re led by stud freshman point guard Darius Acuff Jr. (19.8 PPG), but also get balanced scoring throughout the rotation. The offense can drain it from three or score well inside, too. 

On the other side, Vanderbilt boasts a top-tier offense of its own. The Commodores are 4th in the country in offensive efficiency and average 91.4 PPG this season (10th). They also rank 30th nationally in offensive pace and 38th in overall tempo. The backcourt duo of breakout sophomore Tyler Tanner (17.4 PPG) and sixth-year senior Duke Miles (17.3 PPG) is among the best in college hoops. The ‘Dores also have the veteran contributors to show up in a tough road environment tonight. 

Both offenses should put up points here to keep the total high. We’ve also seen both defenses struggle a bit lately. Through five conference games apiece thus far, Arkansas is giving up 84.2 PPG while Vandy is allowing 82.4 PPG. When the Commodores faced other fast-paced SEC teams lately, 192 combined points were scored vs. Florida (on Saturday) and 186 total with Alabama (January 7th). 

Furthermore, the over has hit in 7 of the last 9 games for Arkansas. The Razorbacks’ home games are also 7-3 to the over this year. As for Vandy, it’s played to the over in 4 of the last 7 contests entering tonight. 

 

 

 

Purdue vs. UCLA Prediction: Tuesday, 1/20

The season hasn’t exactly gone to plan for UCLA thus far. The Bruins are 12-6 overall and just 4-3 in Big Ten play. Mick Cronin’s squad has also come up short in every big game to this point. However, tonight’s home matchup vs. Purdue presents a prime resume-boosting opportunity.

The Boilermakers are among the elite in the sport, boasting a 17-1 record and top-5 rankings in most advanced metrics. They’re 7-0 in conference action and have the best offensive efficiency right now, per KenPom. It’s definitely a tall task, but let’s grab UCLA to cover and keep this one close. 

If we can poke holes in Purdue at all, it’s that Matt Painter’s team has looked vulnerable in tight games against lesser opponents recently. The Boilermakers squeaked out a 5-point win on the road at USC this past Saturday, in a game that they trailed with less than 3 minutes remaining. Before that, Purdue pulled out a 7-point victory at home vs. Iowa after being tied with 5 minutes to go. 

As for UCLA, as noted above, the results haven’t been there yet. The Bruins have lost all of their toughest games so far against Arizona, Gonzaga, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Ohio State. Still, they should be desperate for a marquee win at home. Expect a locked-in and well-prepared effort from Cronin’s team here. 

UCLA will look to keep the game low-scoring with its slow pace that ranks 300th in the country. The Bruins are also 352nd nationally in defensive tempo, as they regularly force teams to use up the shot clock while defending well in transition. Purdue plays slow itself, coming in at 276th in pace. That plays right into how UCLA wants the game to go. 

Purdue’s offense is uber-efficient more often than not, but it can also experience scoreless stretches when the contributing cast outside of Braden Smith goes cold. That will be UCLA’s focus, with a defense that’s holding opponents to 29.8% three-point shooting this year (31st in Division I). 

Let’s count on the Bruins to muck this game up and stay within striking range to cover the spread, and possibly pull the upset. UCLA guard Donovan Dent has been streaky, but he tends to perform better at home. If he’s on, combined with Tyler Bilodeau’s improved play, then Purdue could be in trouble. 

 

 


 

Best College Basketball Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 1/20

 

 

 

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