College Basketball Betting Picks for Monday 1/8/24

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

Alabama A&M Bulldogs at Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils

Mississippi Valley +7.5 (-108)

Monday's college basketball slate lacks any Power Six matchups, but several mid-major conference clashes offer enticing odds. First, we start with Alabama A&M visiting Mississippi Valley State. These are two bottom-tier squads in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) with the Delta Devils predicted to finish last in the conference standings and the Bulldogs predicted for eighth (out of 12 teams).

With conference play ramping up, both squads have struggled as most predicted. If anything, Alabama A&M could be even worse than expected. Per KenPom's rating, the Bulldogs are ranked 348th and the Devils are 362nd (out of 362 teams).

Mississippi Valley has been an absolute mess with the nation's worst adjusted offensive efficiency and the 10th-worst adjusted defensive efficiency, and they have yet to grab a win at 0-14. But with a 2-12 record, Alabama A&M is not much better. The Devils as 7.5-point underdogs seems a bit harsh.

The Bulldogs are 1-7 over their last eight games while going 4-4 against the spread (ATS). They haven't been as consistent on the road, either, at 3-4 ATS. Monday's game will also be the first time Alabama A&M has been favored this season.

After covering the spread as an 11.0-point underdog in their last game, I like Mississippi Valley to come up with another cover.

The Devils have few strengths, but they at least have a solid shot selection, as they shoot 37.7 two-pointers per game (58th percentile) compared to 12.1 three-point attempts per contest (fewest). The Bulldogs rank in the bottom 6% in opponent two-point percentage. This bodes well for MVSU's top three scorers -- Rayquan Brown (14.5 PPG), Arecko Gipson (9.9 PPG), and Donovan Sanders (9.9 PPG) -- who all take at least 76.0% of their shots from two.

Alabama A&M also relies on two-point looks with 42.9 attempts per game (92nd percentile). The Delta Devils do a great job of limiting opponents' two-point shots at 33.5 per contest (85th percentile).

Mississippi Valley State could have the advantage around the rim, which could lead to the point spread cover.

Norfolk State Spartans at NC Central Eagles

Over 139.5 (-115)

Let's get to a mid-major matchup with higher stakes. Norfolk State and NC Central are two of the best teams from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

In fact, the Spartans were predicted to finish second in the conference while the Eagles were projected third. These could be the top competing teams for a MEAC title and March Madness berth with Howard sitting at 5-11, the team projected to win the conference. Norfolk State appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2021 and 2022, and NC Central is chasing their first postseason berth since three consecutive appearances from 2017 to 2019.

The two teams are rather close in KenPom with the Spartans ranked 217th and the Eagles sitting at 247th. NC Central is in the bottom 30% of adjusted offensive efficiency, but they are averaging 91.5 PPG over their previous four games. The Eagles have increased their point totals through several areas.

They have gotten to the free throw line more often at 28.5 shots per game over the last four games. NC Central attempts 22.8 free throw games on the season, which is in the 88th percentile. For reference, 28.5 free throw attempts per game would be tied for the second-highest mark in the country. Meanwhile, the Spartans are in the bottom 10% of allowed free throw shots per game.

The Eagles have also been blistering from three-point land at 40.4% during the four-game span -- compared to 32.1% on the season. This is yet another area where NC Central can thrive with Norfolk State ranking in the bottom 9% of three-point shots allowed per game. The Eagles' Fred Cleveland Jr. (16.3 PPG) is one player to watch, as he leads the team in three-point attempts and is shooting 45.5% from deep over his previous four games.

NC Central's hot streak could continue, and the Spartans have some advantages on offense, as well. Norfolk State ranks in the 68th percentile of three-point percentage and in the 89th percentile of free throws shot per game. NC Central has the tendency to struggle against both categories, ranking in the bottom 44% of three-point shots allowed per contest and in the bottom 30% of opponent free throw attempts per game.

With both offenses holding favorable matchups, this MEAC clash could be bound for the over.

Looking for more college basketball betting opportunities? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to check out all of the upcoming college basketball odds.

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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.