Men's college basketball picks today: Thursday's best bets include George Washington vs. Saint Louis play [3/12/2026]

Today’s men's college basketball picks for March 12, 2026 are here, with George Washington vs. Saint Louis and Iowa State vs. Arizona among the top plays identified by our model across Thursday’s men's college basketball action.

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

List of NCAAM picks tonight [3/12, updated 10:36PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s top 10 men's college basketball bets, ranked by edge for Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Saint Louis -6.5 (-105)

• Edge: 6.1%
• Probability: 57.3%
• Matchup: George Washington vs. Saint Louis (11:30AM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on Saint Louis -6.5 at -105 odds. A 57.3% probability produces an edge of 6.1%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Iowa State vs. Arizona over 143.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Iowa State vs. Arizona (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Iowa State vs. Arizona over 143.5 points carries a 5.8% edge and a probability of 57% at -105 odds, according to our model.

Virginia ML (-184)

• Edge: 4.7%
• Probability: 69.5%
• Matchup: Miami (FL) vs. Virginia (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Virginia ML at -184 odds shows a 4.7% edge, supported by a 69.5% probability in simulations.

Illinois ML (-310)

• Edge: 4.7%
• Probability: 80.3%
• Matchup: Wisconsin vs. Illinois (2:30PM ET, Friday)

A 4.7% edge and 80.3% probability make Illinois at the moneyline at a value play in the Wisconsin vs. Illinois matchup, per our model.

Saint Louis ML (-265)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 76.8%
• Matchup: George Washington vs. Saint Louis (11:30AM ET, Friday)

Saint Louis ML at -265 odds presents a 4.3% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 76.8%.

Illinois -8.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Wisconsin vs. Illinois (2:30PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on Illinois -8.5 at -102 odds, supported by an edge of 4.3%.

Virginia -4.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Miami (FL) vs. Virginia (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has uncovered value on Virginia -4.5 at -105 odds. A 55.5% probability produces a 4.3% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

St. John's ML (-295)

• Edge: 3.9%
• Probability: 78.5%
• Matchup: Seton Hall vs. St. John's (5:30PM ET, Friday)

A 3.9% edge on a 78.5% probability makes St. John's to win at -295 odds a solid value play in today's Seton Hall vs. St. John's matchup.

Massachusetts +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Massachusetts vs. Toledo (5:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model projects value on Massachusetts +3.5 at -110 odds. A 55.8% probability produces a 3.4% edge, making Massachusetts the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Vanderbilt ML (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Miami (FL) vs. Virginia (3:30PM ET, Friday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Vanderbilt to defeat Tennessee at -110 odds shows a 55.8% probability and a 3.4% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Thursday, 3/12/2026

As of 10:36PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
George Washington vs. Saint Louis	Saint Louis -6.5	-105 @ DraftKings	6.1%	57.3%
Iowa State vs. Arizona	Over 143.5 Points	-105 @ DraftKings	5.8%	57%
Miami (FL) vs. Virginia	Virginia ML	-184 @ FanDuel	4.7%	69.5%
Wisconsin vs. Illinois	Illinois ML	-310 @ DraftKings	4.7%	80.3%
George Washington vs. Saint Louis	Saint Louis ML	-265 @ DraftKings	4.3%	76.8%
Wisconsin vs. Illinois	Illinois -8.5	-102 @ BetMGM	4.3%	54.8%
Miami (FL) vs. Virginia	Virginia -4.5	-105 @ BetMGM	4.3%	55.5%
Seton Hall vs. St. John's	St. John's ML	-295 @ FanDuel	3.9%	78.5%
Massachusetts vs. Toledo	Massachusetts +3.5	-110 @ BetMGM	3.4%	55.8%
Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt	Vanderbilt ML	-110 @ FanDuel	3.4%	55.8%

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

• UC Davis vs. Cal State Fullerton (11:30PM ET, Thursday)
• San Jose State vs. New Mexico (11:30PM ET, Thursday)
• George Washington vs. Saint Louis (11:30AM ET, Friday)
• Ohio State vs. Michigan (12:00PM ET, Friday)
• Kentucky vs. Florida (1:00PM ET, Friday)
• St. Bonaventure vs. Dayton (2:00PM ET, Friday)
• Prairie View A&M vs. Alabama A&M (2:00PM ET, Friday)
• Wisconsin vs. Illinois (2:30PM ET, Friday)
• Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt (3:30PM ET, Friday)
• Massachusetts vs. Toledo (5:00PM ET, Friday)

What Is Dimebot?

Dimebot is Dimers’ AI bet assistant, designed to surface swift insights, answer betting questions, and help you explore data more efficiently.

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for March 12, 2026, featuring plays such as Saint Louis -6.5 and over 143.5 points in the Iowa State vs. Arizona 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 based on 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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