Here we go again! The college basketball season continues to intensify, and as conference play progresses, each game holds significant consequences.

Teams are competing for favorable seeding in their respective tournaments while simultaneously positioning themselves for the upcoming March Madness. Tonight's schedule and college basketball picks promise an abundance of excitement, featuring several high-stakes matchups.

 

 

 

College Basketball Predictions & Overview Today, 2/18

In the Big East, Villanova aims to recover from a recent inconsistent performance as they face UConn, a team striving to regain momentum following a challenging defeat.

The Big 12 clash between Texas Tech and TCU adds another layer of complexity, with the Red Raiders seeking to enhance their credentials against a Horned Frogs team eager for a marquee victory. Additionally, the Big Ten presents a crucial encounter as Illinois travels to Wisconsin, with both teams vying to secure their postseason standings.

With significant games on the horizon and numerous betting prospects available, let’s analyze the leading college basketball predictions for today's events.

 

 

 

Villanova vs. UConn Predictions & Picks

Both of these teams have strong offenses, with UConn scoring an average of 78.3 points per game and shooting 48.1% from the field. Villanova is also impressive, making 39.7% of their three-point shots, which ranks them fifth in the country.

While UConn has a decent defense, they can struggle against teams that shoot well, allowing 35.7% from three-point range, which is ranked 308th. Villanova's defense is a bit better, but they tend to play faster against top teams.

Both squads have a trend of scoring high against opponents recently – UConn has gone over the total in six of their last 10 games, and Villanova has scored over 140 points in three of their last four.

In their last game, the score was 68-66, just below the total, but this time, with both offenses in good form, a higher score is expected. Betting on the over 137.5 (-112 at DraftKings) looks like the move for this rematch to start our college basketball predictions today.

 

 

 

#9 Texas Tech vs. TCU Predictions & Picks

Texas Tech has had a decent offensive season, averaging 82.4 points per game, but they've been trending towards lower scores recently, going under the total in four of their last six games. Their defense is impressive, allowing only 67.1 points per game and ranking 51st in scoring defense.

On the other hand, TCU has been struggling on offense, sitting at 319th in scoring with just 68.2 points per game and 334th in three-point shooting at 30.5%. The Horned Frogs have also leaned towards the under, hitting it in six of their last eight games, including a tough 52-82 loss to Iowa State and a close 65-60 win against West Virginia.

In their last matchup in late January, the Red Raiders came out on top with a score of 71-57, which was well below the 135.5 total; something to think about for our college basketball picks today.

Given Texas Tech's strong defense and TCU's offensive issues, this game is likely to be a tough battle, and with the total set so high, betting on the under 140.5 (-110 at DraftKings) is the way we’re leaning. 

 

 

 

Illinois vs. #11 Wisconsin Predictions & Picks

Wisconsin has been on a winning streak, taking four out of their last five games, including a surprising 10-point victory against Purdue on the road. The Badgers are really good at free throws, hitting 83.7% of them, which is the best in the country.

They also shoot 36.6% from three-point range, giving them a strong advantage over Illinois, which struggles with three-point shooting at just 31.1%, ranking 319th. On defense, Wisconsin is slightly better, allowing only 70.5 points per game, while Illinois gives up 71.6 points.

Illinois has had some ups and downs lately, losing three of their last five games, including a tough 14-point defeat to Michigan State. Even though they are the best at rebounding, their shooting problems and turnovers might hurt them against Wisconsin's strong defense.

With the Badgers playing well and being more efficient, they are likely to control the game and cover the -3.5 spread at home. We’ll round out our college basketball predictions today with a bet on Wisconsin -3.5 (-115 at DraftKings).

 

 

 

College Basketball Odds & Betting Lines Today

After releasing our official college basketball predictions for the day, we proceed to the crucial phase of examining the betting lines!

Check out DraftKings Sportsbook's college basketball odds for the games we just covered:

  • Villanova Wildcats (+360) vs. UConn Huskies (-470)
    • Spread: Villanova +9.5 (-112) vs. UConn -9.5 (-108)
    • Game Total: Over 137.5 (-112) vs. Under 137.5 (-108)
       
  • Texas Tech Red Raiders (-325) vs. TCU Horned Frogs (+260)
    • Spread: Texas Tech -6.5 (-115) vs. TCU +6.5 (-105)
    • Game Total: Over 140.5 (-110) vs. Under 140.5 (-110)
       
  • Illinois Fighting Illini (+150) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (-180)
    • Spread: Illinois +3.5 (-105) vs. Wisconsin -3.5 (-115)
    • Game Total: Over 161.5 (-105) vs. Under 161.5 (-115)

 

 

 

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