Women's college basketball picks today: Thursday's best bets include Illinois vs. Michigan State play [3/5/2026]

Illinois ML (+200)

• Edge: 6.5%
• Probability: 39.8%
• Matchup: Illinois vs. Michigan State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

Our model has identified value on Illinois to defeat Michigan State at +200 odds. A 39.8% probability produces an edge of 6.5%, making this the strongest play for today's women's college basketball slate.

Arizona State ML (+410)

• Edge: 5.0%
• Probability: 24.6%
• Matchup: Arizona State vs. Iowa State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

Arizona State ML carries a 5.0% edge and a probability of 24.6% at +410 odds, according to our model.

Illinois +5.5 (-105)

• Edge: 2.3%
• Probability: 53.5%
• Matchup: Illinois vs. Michigan State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

Illinois +5.5 vs. Michigan State at -105 odds shows a 2.3% edge, supported by a 53.5% probability in simulations.

Illinois vs. Michigan State over 149.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 2.2%
• Probability: 54.6%
• Matchup: Illinois vs. Michigan State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)

A 2.2% edge and 54.6% probability make Illinois vs. Michigan State over 149.5 points at a value play in the Illinois vs. Michigan State matchup, per our model.

NCAAW best bets summary: Thursday, 3/5/2026

As of 6:04PM ET, here are our top women's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Illinois vs. Michigan State	Illinois ML	+200 @ DraftKings	6.5%	39.8%
Arizona State vs. Iowa State	Arizona State ML	+410 @ DraftKings	5.0%	24.6%
Illinois vs. Michigan State	Illinois +5.5	-105 @ DraftKings	2.3%	53.5%
Illinois vs. Michigan State	Over 149.5 Points	-110 @ DraftKings	2.2%	54.6%

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

• Bryant University vs. Binghamton (6:07PM ET, Thursday)
• Illinois vs. Michigan State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Arizona State vs. Iowa State (6:30PM ET, Thursday)
• North Alabama vs. Central Arkansas (7:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Saint Louis vs. La Salle (7:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Georgia Tech vs. Virginia Tech (7:30PM ET, Thursday)
• UNC Asheville vs. Longwood (8:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Alabama vs. Tennessee (8:30PM ET, Thursday)
• Long Beach State vs. UC Davis (9:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Kansas vs. Colorado (9:00PM ET, Thursday)

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Conclusion

Our women's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for March 5, 2026, featuring plays such as Illinois ML and Arizona State ML. 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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