Men's college basketball picks today: Saturday's best bets include UC Irvine vs. Cal State Fullerton play [1/3/2026]

Cal State Fullerton +4.5 (-105)

• Edge: 9.9%
• Probability: 61.1%
• Matchup: UC Irvine vs. Cal State Fullerton (7:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has identified value on Cal State Fullerton +4.5 at -105 odds. A 61.1% probability produces an edge of 9.9%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Duquesne +5.5 (-105)

• Edge: 9.8%
• Probability: 61%
• Matchup: Virginia Commonwealth vs. Duquesne (12:00PM ET, Saturday)

Duquesne +5.5 carries a 9.8% edge and a probability of 61% at -105 odds, according to our model.

Duquesne ML (+220)

• Edge: 9.4%
• Probability: 40.6%
• Matchup: Virginia Commonwealth vs. Duquesne (12:00PM ET, Saturday)

Duquesne ML at +220 odds shows a 9.4% edge, supported by a 40.6% probability in simulations.

Kansas State +7.5 (-105)

• Edge: 8.8%
• Probability: 60%
• Matchup: BYU vs. Kansas State (1:30PM ET, Saturday)

An 8.8% edge and 60% probability make Kansas State +7.5 vs. BYU at a value play in the BYU vs. Kansas State matchup, per our model.

Cal State Fullerton ML (+176)

• Edge: 8.0%
• Probability: 44.2%
• Matchup: UC Irvine vs. Cal State Fullerton (7:00PM ET, Saturday)

Cal State Fullerton ML at +176 odds presents a 8.0% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 44.2%.

Lehigh +3.5 (-102)

• Edge: 7.9%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Lehigh vs. Bucknell (5:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model finds value on Lehigh +3.5 at -102 odds, supported by an edge of 7.9%.

Loyola Chicago +8.5 (-110)

• Edge: 7.4%
• Probability: 59.8%
• Matchup: Dayton vs. Loyola Chicago (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has uncovered value on Loyola Chicago +8.5 at -110 odds. A 59.8% probability produces a 7.4% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Louisiana-Lafayette +3.5 (-105)

• Edge: 7.2%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Southern Miss vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (1:00PM ET, Saturday)

A 7.2% edge on a 58.4% probability makes Louisiana-Lafayette +3.5 at -105 odds a solid value play in today's Southern Miss vs. Louisiana-Lafayette matchup.

Kansas State ML (+285)

• Edge: 7.0%
• Probability: 33%
• Matchup: BYU vs. Kansas State (1:30PM ET, Saturday)

Our model projects value on Kansas State to win at +285 odds. A 33% probability produces a 7.0% edge, making Kansas State the favorable ML play in Saturday’s matchup.

Holy Cross +5.5 (-105)

• Edge: 6.8%
• Probability: 58%
• Matchup: Dayton vs. Loyola Chicago (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Holy Cross +5.5 at -105 odds shows a 58% probability and a 6.8% edge.

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

As of 5:04AM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
UC Irvine vs. Cal State Fullerton	Cal State Fullerton +4.5	-105 @ BetMGM	9.9%	61.1%
Virginia Commonwealth vs. Duquesne	Duquesne +5.5	-105 @ BetMGM	9.8%	61%
Virginia Commonwealth vs. Duquesne	Duquesne ML	+220 @ FanDuel	9.4%	40.6%
BYU vs. Kansas State	Kansas State +7.5	-105 @ BetMGM	8.8%	60%
UC Irvine vs. Cal State Fullerton	Cal State Fullerton ML	+176 @ FanDuel	8.0%	44.2%
Lehigh vs. Bucknell	Lehigh +3.5	-102 @ BetMGM	7.9%	58.4%
Dayton vs. Loyola Chicago	Loyola Chicago +8.5	-110 @ BetMGM	7.4%	59.8%
Southern Miss vs. Louisiana-Lafayette	Louisiana-Lafayette +3.5	-105 @ DraftKings	7.2%	58.4%
BYU vs. Kansas State	Kansas State ML	+285 @ FanDuel	7.0%	33%
Navy vs. Holy Cross	Holy Cross +5.5	-105 @ BetMGM	6.8%	58%

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

• Virginia vs. North Carolina State (11:00AM ET, Saturday)
• Kentucky vs. Alabama (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Clemson vs. Pittsburgh (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Providence vs. St. John's (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Villanova vs. Butler (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Northeastern vs. Campbell (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Virginia Tech vs. Wake Forest (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Virginia Commonwealth vs. Duquesne (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• UTSA vs. Temple (12:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Auburn vs. Georgia (1:00PM ET, Saturday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for January 3, 2026, featuring plays such as Cal State Fullerton +4.5 and Duquesne +5.5. 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 sourced 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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