Men's college basketball picks today: Saturday's best bets include Hawaii vs. UC San Diego play [1/3/2026]

Today’s men's college basketball picks for January 3, 2026 are here, with Hawaii vs. UC San Diego among the top plays identified by our model across Saturday’s men's college basketball play.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, searching the latest men's college basketball odds to discover real betting edges. The result? Data-backed plays that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of NCAAM picks tonight [1/3, updated 9:31PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s top 10 men's college basketball bets, ranked by edge for Saturday, January 3, 2026.

UC San Diego ML (-145)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 63%
• Matchup: Hawaii vs. UC San Diego (10:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has identified value on UC San Diego to defeat Hawaii at -145 odds. A 63% probability produces an edge of 3.8%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

UC San Diego -2.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.2%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Hawaii vs. UC San Diego (10:00PM ET, Saturday)

UC San Diego -2.5 carries a 3.2% edge and a probability of 55.6% at -110 odds, according to our model.

Louisiana Tech vs. Western Kentucky over 143.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 56%
• Matchup: Louisiana Tech vs. Western Kentucky (3:00PM ET, Sunday)

A 4.8% edge and 56% probability make Louisiana Tech vs. Western Kentucky over 143.5 points at a value play in the Louisiana Tech vs. Western Kentucky matchup, per our model.

Saint Mary's ML (-500)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 87.9%
• Matchup: Seattle vs. Saint Mary's (8:00PM ET, Sunday)

Saint Mary's ML at -500 odds presents a 4.6% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 87.9%.

Canisius +2.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.4%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Sacred Heart vs. Canisius (12:00PM ET, Sunday)

Our model finds value on Canisius +2.5 at -105 odds, supported by an edge of 4.4%.

Quinnipiac -10.5 (+100)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 54.3%
• Matchup: Mount St. Mary's vs. Quinnipiac (2:00PM ET, Sunday)

Our model has uncovered value on Quinnipiac -10.5 at +100 odds. A 54.3% probability produces a 4.3% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

UAB vs. South Florida under 162.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.1%
• Probability: 55.3%
• Matchup: UAB vs. South Florida (1:00PM ET, Sunday)

A 4.1% edge on a 55.3% probability makes under 162.5 points at -105 odds a solid value play in today's UAB vs. South Florida matchup.

UC San Diego ML (-145)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 63%
• Matchup: Hawaii vs. UC San Diego (10:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model projects value on UC San Diego to win at -145 odds. A 63% probability produces a 3.8% edge, making UC San Diego the favorable ML play in Saturday’s matchup.

Marist ML (-185)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 68.7%
• Matchup: Mount St. Mary's vs. Quinnipiac (2:00PM ET, Sunday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Marist to defeat Iona at -185 odds shows a 68.7% probability and a 3.8% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Saturday, 1/3/2026

As of 9:31PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Hawaii vs. UC San Diego	UC San Diego ML	-145 @ BetMGM	3.8%	63%
Hawaii vs. UC San Diego	UC San Diego -2.5	-110 @ BetMGM	3.2%	55.6%
Louisiana Tech vs. Western Kentucky	Over 143.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	4.8%	56%
Seattle vs. Saint Mary's	Saint Mary's ML	-500 @ BetMGM	4.6%	87.9%
Sacred Heart vs. Canisius	Canisius +2.5	-105 @ BetMGM	4.4%	55.6%
Mount St. Mary's vs. Quinnipiac	Quinnipiac -10.5	+100 @ DraftKings	4.3%	54.3%
UAB vs. South Florida	Under 162.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	4.1%	55.3%
Hawaii vs. UC San Diego	UC San Diego ML	-145 @ BetMGM	3.8%	63%
Iona vs. Marist	Marist ML	-185 @ DraftKings	3.8%	68.7%

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

• Boise State vs. San Diego State (10:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Hawaii vs. UC San Diego (10:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Manhattan vs. Merrimack (12:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Creighton vs. Seton Hall (12:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Richmond vs. Fordham (12:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Sacred Heart vs. Canisius (12:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Florida Atlantic vs. Tulane (1:00PM ET, Sunday)
• UAB vs. South Florida (1:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Kennesaw State vs. Delaware (2:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Fairfield vs. Niagara (2:00PM ET, Sunday)

AI betting support with Dimebot

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for January 3, 2026, featuring plays such as UC San Diego ML and UC San Diego -2.5. 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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