Men's college basketball picks today: Thursday's best bets include Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy play [1/8/2026]

Detroit Mercy +5.5 (-110)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 58.2%
• Matchup: Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on Detroit Mercy +5.5 at -110 odds. A 58.2% probability produces an edge of 5.8%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Cleveland State vs. Oakland under 173.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 3.7%
• Probability: 55%
• Matchup: Cleveland State vs. Oakland (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Cleveland State vs. Oakland under 173.5 points carries a 3.7% edge and a probability of 55% at -105 odds, according to our model.

Bowling Green +2.5 (-108)

• Edge: 3.7%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Akron vs. Bowling Green (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Bowling Green +2.5 vs. Akron at -108 odds shows a 3.7% edge, supported by a 55.6% probability in simulations.

Akron vs. Bowling Green under 164.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 3.0%
• Probability: 54.2%
• Matchup: Akron vs. Bowling Green (8:00PM ET, Friday)

A 3.0% edge and 54.2% probability make Akron vs. Bowling Green under 164.5 points at a value play in the Akron vs. Bowling Green matchup, per our model.

Bowling Green ML (+142)

• Edge: 2.7%
• Probability: 44%
• Matchup: Akron vs. Bowling Green (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Bowling Green ML at +142 odds presents a 2.7% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 44%.

Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy under 146.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 2.7%
• Probability: 53.9%
• Matchup: Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on under 146.5 points in Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy at -105 odds, supported by an edge of 2.7%.

Merrimack vs. Siena over 135.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 2.6%
• Probability: 53.9%
• Matchup: Merrimack vs. Siena (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has uncovered value on Merrimack vs. Siena over 135.5 points at -105 odds. A 53.9% probability produces a 2.6% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Milwaukee ML (-160)

• Edge: 2.5%
• Probability: 64.1%
• Matchup: Northern Kentucky vs. Milwaukee (8:00PM ET, Friday)

A 2.5% edge on a 64.1% probability makes Milwaukee to win at -160 odds a solid value play in today's Northern Kentucky vs. Milwaukee matchup.

Detroit Mercy ML (+190)

• Edge: 2.3%
• Probability: 36.8%
• Matchup: Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model projects value on Detroit Mercy to win at +190 odds. A 36.8% probability produces a 2.3% edge, making Detroit Mercy the favorable ML play in Saturday’s matchup.

Rider vs. Fairfield over 144.5 points (-108)

• Edge: 2.1%
• Probability: 54%
• Matchup: Merrimack vs. Siena (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Rider vs. Fairfield over 144.5 points at -108 odds shows a 54% probability and a 2.1% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Thursday, 1/8/2026

As of 10:37PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy	Detroit Mercy +5.5	-110 @ BetMGM	5.8%	58.2%
Cleveland State vs. Oakland	Under 173.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	3.7%	55%
Akron vs. Bowling Green	Bowling Green +2.5	-108 @ DraftKings	3.7%	55.6%
Akron vs. Bowling Green	Under 164.5 Points	-105 @ DraftKings	3.0%	54.2%
Akron vs. Bowling Green	Bowling Green ML	+142 @ DraftKings	2.7%	44%
Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy	Under 146.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	2.7%	53.9%
Merrimack vs. Siena	Over 135.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	2.6%	53.9%
Northern Kentucky vs. Milwaukee	Milwaukee ML	-160 @ BetMGM	2.5%	64.1%
Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy	Detroit Mercy ML	+190 @ FanDuel	2.3%	36.8%
Rider vs. Fairfield	Over 144.5 Points	-108 @ DraftKings	2.1%	54%

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

• San Francisco vs. Loyola Marymount (11:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Santa Clara vs. Gonzaga (11:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Miami (OH) vs. Toledo (6:00PM ET, Friday)
• Cleveland State vs. Oakland (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Marist vs. Sacred Heart (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Wright State vs. Detroit Mercy (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• St. Peter's vs. Mount St. Mary's (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Canisius vs. Manhattan (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Rider vs. Fairfield (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Niagara vs. Iona (7:00PM ET, Friday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for January 8, 2026, featuring plays such as Detroit Mercy +5.5 and under 173.5 points in the Cleveland State vs. Oakland matchup. 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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