Men's college basketball picks today: Thursday's best bets include Marshall vs. Appalachian State play [2/19/2026]

Marshall +2.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Marshall vs. Appalachian State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on Marshall +2.5 at -102 odds. A 55.6% probability produces an edge of 5.1%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Portland State -4.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.0%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Idaho vs. Portland State (9:00PM ET, Thursday)

Portland State -4.5 carries a 5.0% edge and a probability of 55.5% at -102 odds, according to our model.

William & Mary vs. Campbell over 168.5 points (-108)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 56.6%
• Matchup: William & Mary vs. Campbell (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

William & Mary vs. Campbell over 168.5 points at -108 odds shows a 4.6% edge, supported by a 56.6% probability in simulations.

Cal State Northridge +3.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Cal State Northridge vs. UC Santa Barbara (9:00PM ET, Thursday)

A 4.6% edge and 55.8% probability make Cal State Northridge +3.5 vs. UC Santa Barbara at a value play in the Cal State Northridge vs. UC Santa Barbara matchup, per our model.

Texas State +3.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Texas State vs. South Alabama (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Texas State +3.5 at -105 odds presents a 4.6% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 55.8%.

Tennessee-Martin -2.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.4%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Tennessee-Martin vs. Arkansas-Little Rock (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

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

Central Arkansas -8.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Central Arkansas vs. Stetson (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has uncovered value on Central Arkansas -8.5 at -102 odds. A 54.8% probability produces a 4.3% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Alabama A&M +1.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Alabama A&M vs. Florida A&M (8:30PM ET, Thursday)

A 4.3% edge on a 54.8% probability makes Alabama A&M +1.5 at -102 odds a solid value play in today's Alabama A&M vs. Florida A&M matchup.

Eastern Washington vs. Sacramento State under 162.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 4.2%
• Probability: 56.6%
• Matchup: Eastern Washington vs. Sacramento State (10:00PM ET, Thursday)

Our model projects value on under 162.5 points at -110 odds. A 56.6% probability produces a 4.2% edge, making the under the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Tennessee-Martin ML (-140)

• Edge: 4.0%
• Probability: 62.4%
• Matchup: Central Arkansas vs. Stetson (8:00PM ET, Thursday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Tennessee-Martin to defeat Arkansas-Little Rock at -140 odds shows a 62.4% probability and a 4.0% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Thursday, 2/19/2026

As of 5:02AM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Marshall vs. Appalachian State	Marshall +2.5	-102 @ FanDuel	5.1%	55.6%
Idaho vs. Portland State	Portland State -4.5	-102 @ BetMGM	5.0%	55.5%
William & Mary vs. Campbell	Over 168.5 Points	-108 @ DraftKings	4.6%	56.6%
Cal State Northridge vs. UC Santa Barbara	Cal State Northridge +3.5	-105 @ DraftKings	4.6%	55.8%
Texas State vs. South Alabama	Texas State +3.5	-105 @ DraftKings	4.6%	55.8%
Tennessee-Martin vs. Arkansas-Little Rock	Tennessee-Martin -2.5	-105 @ BetMGM	4.4%	55.6%
Central Arkansas vs. Stetson	Central Arkansas -8.5	-102 @ BetMGM	4.3%	54.8%
Alabama A&M vs. Florida A&M	Alabama A&M +1.5	-102 @ DraftKings	4.3%	54.8%
Eastern Washington vs. Sacramento State	Under 162.5 Points	-110 @ BetMGM	4.2%	56.6%
Tennessee-Martin vs. Arkansas-Little Rock	Tennessee-Martin ML	-140 @ BetMGM	4.0%	62.4%

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

• Florida International vs. Liberty (6:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Vermont vs. UMBC (6:00PM ET, Thursday)
• New Hampshire vs. Massachusetts-Lowell (6:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Binghamton vs. Bryant University (6:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Marshall vs. Appalachian State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
• USC Upstate vs. Winthrop (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Charleston vs. North Carolina A&T (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Memphis vs. South Florida (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Monmouth vs. North Carolina-Wilmington (7:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Drexel vs. Northeastern (7:00PM ET, Thursday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for February 19, 2026, featuring plays such as Marshall +2.5 and Portland State -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 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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