February 28, 2025 at 11:05 PM EST
As usual, on Fridays, it’s a quiet day in the CBB, but we highlighted some intriguing games, so make sure to check out the College Basketball Picks for Friday 2/28/2025.
Davidson vs VCU Prediction 2/28/25 College Basketball Picks
Davidson at VCU at 7 PM ET
The Davidson Wildcats secured a victory against Fordham but suffered a defeat to Saint Louis. Currently, the Wildcats are averaging 73.6 points per game with a shooting percentage of 45.8, while they are permitting 70 points on 44.3 percent shooting. Reed Bailey leads the team with an average of 19.5 points and 6.3 rebounds, whereas Bobby Durkin contributes an average of 14.5 points and 2.2 assists.
The VCU Rams triumphed over Richmond and George Mason in their recent matchups. The team is performing well, averaging 78.2 points with a shooting accuracy of 45 percent, while allowing 62.4 points at a rate of 39.1 percent shooting. Joe Bamisile is a key player, averaging 15.6 points and 5.4 rebounds, alongside Max Shulga, who averages 15.5 points and 3.9 assists.
The Pick:
VCU is currently undefeated on its home turf and has an impressive 18-8-1 record against the spread this season. It is quite challenging to go against such a strong performance. Only 13 teams in college basketball have a cover percentage of 69 percent or higher, and VCU is included in that select group. Moreover, the favorite has managed to cover the spread in seven of the last ten games played between VCU and Davidson. As a result, I will opt to lay the points with the VCU Rams, given their demonstrated capability to secure winning bets.
UCLA vs Purdue Prediction 2/28/25 College Basketball Picks
UCLA at Purdue at 8 PM ET
The UCLA Bruins have recorded a 20-8 season thus far, following their recent win against Ohio State, which ended with a score of 69-61. The Bruins led at halftime with a score of 28-24 and went on to score 41 points in the second half to secure the victory. In this contest, UCLA achieved shooting percentages of 40.4% from the field, 40% from three-point territory, and 75% from the free-throw line. Eric Dailey Jr. emerged as the top performer for UCLA, scoring 20 points and grabbing eight rebounds, while Skyy Clark added 13 points and two rebounds to the team’s efforts.
This season, the Purdue Boilermakers have achieved a record of 19-9, following their recent loss to Indiana, which concluded with a score of 73-58. Purdue had a strong start, leading 37-25 at halftime; however, they were significantly outscored in the second half, 48-21. The team’s shooting statistics for the game included 42.6% from the field, 43.8% from three-point range, and 73.3% from the free-throw line. Fletcher Loyer emerged as the leading scorer for Purdue with 20 points and three rebounds, while Myles Colvin contributed 11 points and four rebounds.
The Pick:
UCLA shares the same conference record as Purdue; however, they have achieved victory in nine of their last eleven matches. The Bruins rank among the top defensive teams nationally, conceding an average of only 64.6 points per game this season. Nevertheless, they will face a significant challenge in this matchup. While UCLA appears to be in superior form compared to Purdue at this moment, I anticipate that the Boilermakers will recover on their home court against a UCLA offense that has shown inconsistency. I recommend backing Purdue for this contest.
James Madison vs Texas State Prediction 2/28/25 College Basketball Picks
James Madison at Texas State at 8 PM ET
The James Madison Dukes are currently experiencing their most successful stretch of the season, having secured victories in ten of their last eleven contests. They are riding a five-game winning streak, with the sole blemish during this impressive run being a defeat on the road against Toledo. Most recently, James Madison achieved an 85-79 win over UL Monroe while playing away. The Monarchs currently hold the top position in the Sun Belt Standings, leading Arkansas State, South Alabama, and Troy by a single win. The Dukes average 73.4 points per game, ranking 214th, while conceding 69.1 points per game, placing them 93rd. In terms of rebounds, they rank 189th with an average of 35.7, and they are 366th in assists, averaging 11.8.
The Texas State Bobcats have endured a challenging phase this season, marked by a streak of five consecutive losses. However, they have managed to recover, securing three victories in their subsequent five matches, including two wins against UL Monroe and one against South Alabama. Unfortunately, their latest outing ended in a 74-69 defeat at home against Troy. Currently, Texas State occupies the 7th position in the Sun Belt Standings, and a loss in their upcoming game could see them drop further. Conversely, even a victory against JMU on Friday would not elevate their standing. The Bobcats are averaging 75.9 points per game (132nd) while conceding 73.0 points per game (214th). Additionally, they are recording 36.8 rebounds per game (118th) and providing 14.6 assists per game (133rd).
The Pick:
Thus far, the two teams have competed against each other three times, with James Madison winning two of those contests. Their first meeting this season resulted in a 73-68 victory for the Dukes on their home court. Texas State appears to be lacking motivation for this matchup, as a win would not enhance their position. On the other hand, James Madison is in a critical situation, as a loss could allow South Alabama to take the lead in the standings. The Dukes have successfully hit the Moneyline in 24 of their last 35 games. Given their current form and the importance of this game, I am inclined to predict a victory for the visiting team.
Iowa vs Northwestern Prediction 2/28/25 College Basketball Picks
Iowa at Northwestern at 9 PM ET
The Iowa Hawkeyes have compiled a season record of 15-13, placing them 15th in the Big Ten Conference. They recently faced a setback, losing to Illinois with a score of 61-81. In terms of betting statistics, the Hawkeyes have a record of 10-17-1 against the spread and a 15-13 record in over/under bets, while their performance on the road has been disappointing, with only 1 win against 7 losses. Owen Freeman stands out as the leading scorer for Iowa, averaging 16.7 points per game, and he also leads the team in rebounds with an average of 6.7. Payton Sandfort is another key player, contributing 16.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.
The Northwestern Wildcats currently hold a record of 15 wins and 13 losses this season, placing them 16th in the Big Ten Conference. They recently achieved a victory against Minnesota, finishing the game with a score of 75-63. In terms of betting, the Wildcats have a record of 14 wins and 14 losses against the spread, and they stand at 19 wins, 8 losses, and 1 push in over/under bets, alongside an impressive home record of 11 wins and 4 losses. Leading the team in scoring is Nick Martinelli, who averages 20.1 points and 6 rebounds per game, while Brooks Barnhizer contributes significantly with an average of 17.1 points and a team-high of 8.8 rebounds per game.
The Pick:
Iowa boasts a strong record of 9-1 in their last ten matchups against Northwestern and has shown effectiveness against the spread, going 7-2 in their last nine meetings. The over has hit in four of the last five encounters. Earlier this season, Iowa triumphed over Northwestern with a score of 80-79 at home, although they did not cover the spread as the total points surpassed the expected amount. Northwestern arrives at this game with two straight wins, while Iowa has been experiencing challenges, with a 2-6 record in their last eight games and a disappointing 1-8-1 against the spread in their last ten outings. I believe the home team will prevail against a team that is currently struggling, so I am backing the Northwestern Wildcats and the points.
Appalachian State vs Marshall Prediction 2/28/25 College Basketball Picks
App State at Marshall at 9 PM ET
The Appalachian State Mountaineers were performing admirably with a streak of four consecutive wins; however, their fortunes changed in the latter half of February, resulting in three losses out of four games. The defeats were incurred against Georgia State, Marshall, and Georgia Southern, while their only victory was against Georgia Southern in an overtime match. Presently, Appalachian State occupies the 6th position in the Sun Belt Standings. Although they are unable to drop from this position, a win against the Herd is necessary for them to surpass them into 5th place. The Mountaineers are averaging 68.6 points per game (ranked 339th) and permitting 63.2 points per game (ranked 14th). Furthermore, they are achieving 37.1 rebounds per game (ranked 104th) and recording 12.9 assists per game (ranked 282nd).
The Marshall Thundering Herd returned to their home court following a four-game road trip, where they secured a victory against Old Dominion. This road trip commenced with two losses to South Alabama and Louisiana; however, Marshall rebounded with wins against ODU and App State. Currently, the Herd is enjoying a three-game winning streak and holds the fifth position in the Sun Belt Standings. The team averages 75.7 points per game, ranking 138th, while allowing 71.9 points per game, placing them 186th. In terms of rebounds, the Thundering Herd ranks 118th with an average of 36.8, and they are 143rd in assists, averaging 14.5.
The Pick:
A week ago, Marshall showcased their prowess against Appalachian State, securing a 69-59 victory. I am inclined to believe that the Herd will face even fewer obstacles in their home environment, where they hold a commendable record of 13-3 this season. Appalachian State has not managed to reach the 60-point mark in their previous two games, and without scoring at least 70 points, a win against Marshall seems unlikely. I have significant doubts that the visitors will score more than 65 points, which would be insufficient for a victory. Marshall has covered the spread in 10 of their last 13 home games, while Appalachian State has only covered the spread in 13 of their last 32 games. Back the Herd to cover.
Nevada vs UNLV Prediction 2/28/25 College Basketball Picks
Nevada at UNLV at 11 PM ET
During the matchup against Wyoming on Tuesday, the Wolf Pack began with a strong first half, holding a 39-28 lead at the break. Nevada continued their momentum, finishing the game with a commanding 84-61 victory after a 45-33 run in the second half. Kobe Sanders was the standout performer, scoring 27 points in 29 minutes as a substitute, along with five rebounds and two assists. Tyler Rolison contributed significantly with 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Nick Davidson added 14 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and two assists in his 33 minutes on the court.
In a road matchup against San Jose State on Tuesday, the Rebels held a 35-31 lead at halftime. UNLV continued its strong performance with a 42-40 scoring advantage in the second half, ultimately securing a victory with a final score of 77-71. Jaden Henley led the team in scoring, contributing 22 points along with five rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Jalen Hill supported the effort with 17 points, nine rebounds, and two steals, while Jeremiah Cherry added 14 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, one steal, and one assist during his 27 minutes on the court.
The Pick:
The last meeting between these teams took place on February 1, where Nevada emerged victorious with a score of 71-65 in their home arena. Anticipation builds for another closely contested game in the rematch, and I have confidence that the Wolf Pack will manage to cover the spread while playing on the road.