Men's college basketball picks today: Friday's best bets include Arizona vs. TCU play [1/9/2026]

TCU ML (+350)

• Edge: 8.4%
• Probability: 30.6%
• Matchup: Arizona vs. TCU (4:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has identified value on TCU to defeat Arizona at +350 odds. A 30.6% probability produces an edge of 8.4%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Florida -4.5 (-120)

• Edge: 8.4%
• Probability: 62.9%
• Matchup: Tennessee vs. Florida (12:00PM ET, Saturday)

Florida -4.5 carries an 8.4% edge and a probability of 62.9% at -120 odds, according to our model.

Providence vs. Xavier over 166.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 8.4%
• Probability: 60.8%
• Matchup: Providence vs. Xavier (4:00PM ET, Saturday)

Providence vs. Xavier over 166.5 points at -110 odds shows a 8.4% edge, supported by a 60.8% probability in simulations.

Baylor +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 8.2%
• Probability: 60.5%
• Matchup: Houston vs. Baylor (1:00PM ET, Saturday)

An 8.2% edge and 60.5% probability make Baylor +3.5 vs. Houston at a value play in the Houston vs. Baylor matchup, per our model.

Nebraska-Omaha +4.5 (-102)

• Edge: 8.0%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: North Dakota State vs. Nebraska-Omaha (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

Nebraska-Omaha +4.5 at -102 odds presents a 8.0% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 58.4%.

Baylor ML (+152)

• Edge: 7.7%
• Probability: 47.4%
• Matchup: Houston vs. Baylor (1:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model finds value on Baylor to win at +152 odds, supported by an edge of 7.7%.

Georgia State +5.5 (-118)

• Edge: 6.9%
• Probability: 61%
• Matchup: Marshall vs. Georgia State (4:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has uncovered value on Georgia State +5.5 at -118 odds. A 61% probability produces a 6.9% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

TCU +7.5 (-102)

• Edge: 6.8%
• Probability: 57.3%
• Matchup: Arizona vs. TCU (4:00PM ET, Saturday)

A 6.8% edge on a 57.3% probability makes TCU +7.5 at -102 odds a solid value play in today's Arizona vs. TCU matchup.

Buffalo +5.5 (-118)

• Edge: 6.6%
• Probability: 60.7%
• Matchup: Buffalo vs. Ohio (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model projects value on Buffalo +5.5 at -118 odds. A 60.7% probability produces a 6.6% edge, making Buffalo the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Houston vs. Baylor over 144.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 6.6%
• Probability: 57.8%
• Matchup: Marshall vs. Georgia State (1:00PM ET, Saturday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Houston vs. Baylor over 144.5 points at -105 odds shows a 57.8% probability and a 6.6% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Friday, 1/9/2026

As of 8:06PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Arizona vs. TCU	TCU ML	+350 @ FanDuel	8.4%	30.6%
Tennessee vs. Florida	Florida -4.5	-120 @ FanDuel	8.4%	62.9%
Providence vs. Xavier	Over 166.5 Points	-110 @ FanDuel	8.4%	60.8%
Houston vs. Baylor	Baylor +3.5	-110 @ FanDuel	8.2%	60.5%
North Dakota State vs. Nebraska-Omaha	Nebraska-Omaha +4.5	-102 @ BetMGM	8.0%	58.4%
Houston vs. Baylor	Baylor ML	+152 @ FanDuel	7.7%	47.4%
Marshall vs. Georgia State	Georgia State +5.5	-118 @ DraftKings	6.9%	61%
Arizona vs. TCU	TCU +7.5	-102 @ BetMGM	6.8%	57.3%
Buffalo vs. Ohio	Buffalo +5.5	-118 @ DraftKings	6.6%	60.7%
Houston vs. Baylor	Over 144.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	6.6%	57.8%

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

• USC vs. Minnesota (8:30PM ET, Friday)
• UNLV vs. Colorado State (10:00PM ET, Friday)
• Tennessee vs. Florida (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Boston College vs. Louisville (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Kansas vs. West Virginia (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Virginia Commonwealth vs. George Mason (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Nebraska vs. Indiana (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Georgia Tech vs. Miami (FL) (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• North Carolina State vs. Florida State (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Fordham vs. St. Bonaventure (12:00PM ET, Saturday)

What Is Dimebot?

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for January 9, 2026, featuring plays such as TCU ML and Florida -4.5. 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 drawn from 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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