Men's college basketball picks today: Friday's best bets include Marist vs. St. Peter's play [1/2/2026]

St. Peter's +2.5 (-105)

• Edge: 6.5%
• Probability: 57.7%
• Matchup: Marist vs. St. Peter's (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on St. Peter's +2.5 at -105 odds. A 57.7% probability produces an edge of 6.5%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Stanford +8.5 (-105)

• Edge: 6.0%
• Probability: 57.3%
• Matchup: Louisville vs. Stanford (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Stanford +8.5 carries a 6.0% edge and a probability of 57.3% at -105 odds, according to our model.

San Francisco -10.5 (-105)

• Edge: 5.2%
• Probability: 56.4%
• Matchup: San Diego vs. San Francisco (10:00PM ET, Friday)

San Francisco -10.5 vs. San Diego at -105 odds shows a 5.2% edge, supported by a 56.4% probability in simulations.

Notre Dame vs. California over 140.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 56.3%
• Matchup: Notre Dame vs. California (11:00PM ET, Friday)

A 5.1% edge and 56.3% probability make Notre Dame vs. California over 140.5 points at a value play in the Notre Dame vs. California matchup, per our model.

Mount St. Mary's +3.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.0%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Mount St. Mary's vs. Merrimack (3:00PM ET, Friday)

Mount St. Mary's +3.5 at -102 odds presents a 5.0% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 55.5%.

Niagara +3.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.0%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Sacred Heart vs. Niagara (4:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on Niagara +3.5 at -102 odds, supported by an edge of 5.0%.

Stanford ML (+340)

• Edge: 4.4%
• Probability: 27.1%
• Matchup: Louisville vs. Stanford (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has uncovered value on Stanford ML at +340 odds. A 27.1% probability produces a 4.4% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Jacksonville State ML (-148)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 63.5%
• Matchup: Jacksonville State vs. Delaware (7:00PM ET, Friday)

A 3.8% edge on a 63.5% probability makes Jacksonville State to win at -148 odds a solid value play in today's Jacksonville State vs. Delaware matchup.

Wagner vs. Chicago State under 146.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 56%
• Matchup: Wagner vs. Chicago State (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model projects value on under 146.5 points at -110 odds. A 56% probability produces a 3.6% edge, making the under the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Detroit Mercy +1.5 (-105)

• Edge: 3.5%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Louisville vs. Stanford (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Detroit Mercy +1.5 at -105 odds shows a 54.8% probability and a 3.5% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Friday, 1/2/2026

As of 2:06AM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Marist vs. St. Peter's	St. Peter's +2.5	-105 @ DraftKings	6.5%	57.7%
Louisville vs. Stanford	Stanford +8.5	-105 @ BetMGM	6.0%	57.3%
San Diego vs. San Francisco	San Francisco -10.5	-105 @ BetMGM	5.2%	56.4%
Notre Dame vs. California	Over 140.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	5.1%	56.3%
Mount St. Mary's vs. Merrimack	Mount St. Mary's +3.5	-102 @ FanDuel	5.0%	55.5%
Sacred Heart vs. Niagara	Niagara +3.5	-102 @ BetMGM	5.0%	55.5%
Louisville vs. Stanford	Stanford ML	+340 @ FanDuel	4.4%	27.1%
Jacksonville State vs. Delaware	Jacksonville State ML	-148 @ DraftKings	3.8%	63.5%
Wagner vs. Chicago State	Under 146.5 Points	-110 @ BetMGM	3.6%	56%
Robert Morris vs. Detroit Mercy	Detroit Mercy +1.5	-105 @ BetMGM	3.5%	54.8%

List of upcoming men's college basketball games to bet on now

• New Mexico State vs. Florida International (12:00PM ET, Friday)
• Mount St. Mary's vs. Merrimack (3:00PM ET, Friday)
• Fairfield vs. Canisius (4:00PM ET, Friday)
• Sacred Heart vs. Niagara (4:00PM ET, Friday)
• Sam Houston State vs. Western Kentucky (5:00PM ET, Friday)
• Kennesaw State vs. Liberty (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Wagner vs. Chicago State (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Robert Morris vs. Detroit Mercy (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Central Connecticut State vs. LIU (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Jacksonville State vs. Delaware (7:00PM ET, Friday)

What Is Dimebot?

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for January 2, 2026, featuring plays such as St. Peter's +2.5 and Stanford +8.5. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate college basketball insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are grounded in current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

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