March 3, 2025 at 11:05 PM EST
We have some intriguing matchups today in the CBB, and here you can take a look at the College Basketball Picks for Monday 3/3/2025.
Queens NC vs Florida Gulf Coast Prediction 3/3/25 College Basketball Picks
Queens vs Florida Gulf Coast at 7 PM ET
Coming off a win against West Georgia, the Queens Royals have faced setbacks against Austin Peay and North Alabama. Importantly, the team has not suffered back-to-back losses since January 23-25. The Royals are currently scoring an average of 76.8 points with a shooting accuracy of 44.8 percent while allowing 74.2 points at a shooting rate of 44 percent. Leo Colimerio leads the team with an average of 13.8 points and 5.2 rebounds, and Chris Ashby follows closely with 12.9 points and 1.3 rebounds.
The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles are enjoying a successful run, having triumphed over Stetson, North Florida, and Bellarmine in their recent matches. They have achieved four consecutive victories and have not suffered a defeat at home since February 6. The Eagles are scoring an average of 72.8 points with a shooting accuracy of 47.3 percent, while their opponents are scoring 69.7 points at a rate of 42.8 percent. Dallion Johnson is the team’s leading scorer with 15.1 points and 2.4 rebounds, while Keeshawn Kellman adds 13.8 points and 1 assist. Zavian McLean also contributes to the scoring, and Jevin Muniz is responsible for an average of 5.8 rebounds.
The Pick:
Florida Gulf Coast has recorded 11 victories in 15 home games this season, and Alico Arena is known for its lively environment during significant contests. In contrast, Queens has been a subpar defensive team, permitting 72 points or more in six of their last seven games, which is not advantageous for an away matchup. The home team has a strong record of 5-1 both straight up and against the spread in the last six meetings between Queens and Florida Gulf Coast. Back Florida Gulf Coast with a reasonable spread.
Eastern Kentucky vs Jacksonville Prediction 3/3/25 College Basketball Picks
Eastern Kentucky at Jacksonville at 7 PM ET
Eastern Kentucky experienced a setback two games ago against Jacksonville; however, they made a significant recovery in their most recent match. In a contest against North Florida, Eastern Kentucky achieved an impressive total of 86 points, securing a decisive victory. Devontae Blanton delivered an outstanding performance, contributing 24 points, four rebounds, and one assist. The previous struggles of the offense were unexpected, given its overall effectiveness. The team aims to maintain a fast pace, averaging 78.2 points per game. Conversely, the defense has been underperforming, allowing an average of 77.5 points per game.
Heading into this game, Jacksonville’s offense has been quite formidable, boasting two consecutive wins. Their latest triumph came against Stetson, where they scored an impressive 79 points. Kendall Munson was the standout performer, netting 17 points. Despite the effectiveness of Jacksonville’s offense, their defense has shown vulnerabilities at times, conceding more than 70 points per game.
The Pick:
Jacksonville is not particularly recognized for its defensive capabilities, and it is improbable that it will excel in this regard in the current matchup. Eastern Kentucky is anticipated to launch a vigorous start and sustain its lead without hesitation. Their offense exhibits a well-rounded approach, which could prove beneficial in terms of scoring. Although I doubt they will need the extra points, it is wise to keep them as a safeguard. I advise backing Eastern Kentucky against the spread.
Austin Peay vs North Alabama Prediction 3/3/25 College Basketball Picks
Austin Peay at North Alabama at 7 PM ET
The Austin Peay Governors enter this matchup following a decisive 90-69 victory against North Florida in the opening round of the ASUN tournament on Sunday. LJ Thomas stands out as the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, averaging 14.1 points per game, 3.8 assists per game, and 4.7 rebounds per game this season. Sai Witt contributes significantly with an average of 13.4 points per game and a team-leading 6 rebounds per game, while also excelling in assists. Additionally, Isaac Haney adds 13.2 points per game along with 3.6 rebounds per game, and Tate McCubbin rounds out the group of double-digit scorers with an average of 10.9 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game.
The North Alabama Lions have secured the #2 seed in the conference tournament, finishing the regular season with a commendable overall record of 22-9 and a 14-4 record in ASUN conference competition. Jacari Lane stands out as the team’s leading scorer and playmaker, averaging 16.9 points and 4.2 assists per game. Will Soucie supports the offense with an average of 10.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Furthermore, Daniel Ortiz contributes 11.7 points per game, while Taye Fields adds 11.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, ensuring that the Lions have multiple scoring threats this season.
The Pick:
It seems to me that winning on the road, or at least away from one’s home venue, is a daunting endeavor, particularly when attempting to achieve this on consecutive days. Now, with the added challenge of facing one of ASUN’s top teams this season, Austin Peay is in for a tough battle. The Lions have had the advantage over Austin Peay this season, and I do not foresee the Governors being able to slow down the Lions in this game. I would back the Lions, even when points are at stake.
Wake Forest vs Duke Prediction 3/3/25 College Basketball Picks
Wake Forest at Duke at 7 PM ET
Recently, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons have shown a pattern of inconsistency, having lost five of their last ten contests. After setbacks against NC State and Virginia, they managed to defeat Notre Dame with a score of 74-71 at home. Presently, the Demon Deacons hold the 5th position in the ACC standings, five games behind the leading Duke team. With only two games remaining in the regular season, Wake Forest is striving to finish within the top six of the conference. The team averages 71.0 points per game (ranked 285th) and concedes 68.0 points per game (ranked 67th). Furthermore, they average 32.7 rebounds per game (ranked 359th) and 11.5 assists per game (ranked 381st).
The Duke Blue Devils are currently among the most successful teams in basketball. After an impressive 16-game winning streak that ended with a loss to Clemson, Duke has now initiated a six-game winning streak. During this period, the Blue Devils have scored 100 points or more in three of their six victories, including their latest game against Florida State. Duke is leading the ACC standings, holding a one-game lead over both Clemson and Louisville. The team averages 83.2 points per game, ranking 16th overall, while they allow an average of 61.1 points per game, which ranks them 7th. Additionally, Duke is 43rd in rebounds with an average of 38.7 and 16th in assists, averaging 17.2.
The Pick:
Duke is currently demonstrating exceptional offensive prowess, having scored over 80 points in each of their last five games, with three of those games exceeding 100 points. I anticipate that Duke will maintain this high level of offensive performance, which is the primary reason for my selection of the Over. The Blue Devils have surpassed their team total in 21 of their last 37 contests, while Wake Forest has achieved the team total over in 8 of their last 13 games played away from home.
Central Arkansas vs Lipscomb Prediction 3/3/25 College Basketball Picks
Central Arkansas at Lipscomb at 8 PM ET
After a recent triumph over Stetson, the Central Arkansas Bears have faced setbacks against North Alabama and Lipscomb. Throughout the current season, the Bears have not managed to secure consecutive victories. They are averaging 70.2 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 40.8 percent, while their opponents are scoring an average of 78.2 points on 45.8 percent shooting. Layne Taylor is the team’s top scorer, averaging 17.2 points and 3.6 rebounds, and Elias Cato follows closely with averages of 14.8 points and 5.2 rebounds.
Recently, the Lipscomb Bisons have triumphed over Austin Peay, North Alabama, and Central Arkansas. This success positions them to potentially achieve at least 23 wins, a milestone reached only twice previously in the school’s history. The Bisons are currently averaging 79.3 points with a shooting percentage of 47.3, while their opponents score an average of 67.2 points at a shooting percentage of 42.7. Jacob Ognacevic is leading the team with an average of 20.3 points and 8 rebounds, and Will Pruitt is contributing with an average of 13 points and 5.7 rebounds.
The Pick:
Lipscomb defeated Central Arkansas on the road in January, winning by 13 points. They have won five out of their last six games against Central Arkansas, with each of those victories being by double-digit margins. Central Arkansas has not yet shown the capability to maintain a streak of success. I expect Lipscomb to move forward to the ASUN semifinals.
Kansas vs Houston Prediction 3/3/25 College Basketball Picks
Kansas at Houston at 9 PM ET
In their recent matchup against Texas Tech, Kansas demonstrated resilience in the second half, ultimately succumbing by a margin of five points. The team recorded a shooting percentage of 48.3 from the field, yet struggled with a mere 22.2 percent accuracy from three-point range. Despite the defeat, a notable highlight was the performance of KJ Adams, who achieved 21 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists. Currently, Kansas holds an overall record of 19-10 and has a 13-16 record against the spread. When playing away, their performance stands at 4-7 in straight-up games. The Jayhawks are averaging 75.8 points per game, while their defense concedes an average of 67.7 points.
Houston achieved a 73-64 victory in their recent game against Cincinnati. The team demonstrated a field goal accuracy of 53.6 percent, although they converted only three shots from long distance. LJ Cryer was the standout player, scoring 20 points, along with one rebound and one assist. The Cougars are currently allowing an average of just 58 points per game, which is the lowest in all of college basketball.
The Pick:
Although Kansas has encountered difficulties this season, the team still features notable playmakers. Zeke Mayo is not expected to have a second consecutive lackluster game and should find success offensively from beyond the arc. Hunter Dickinson recorded 17 points in the first matchup against Houston and is expected to exceed that performance in this contest. While Houston is favored to win, the margin will likely be close, perhaps by just a basket or two. The point spread appears overly favorable for the Jayhawks. It is recommended to support Kansas against the spread.
Wichita State vs North Texas Prediction 3/3/25 College Basketball Picks
Wichita State at North Texas at 9 PM ET
The Wichita State Shockers equaled their season’s longest winning streak of six games but fell short of achieving a seventh consecutive victory, losing to UAB on their home court. Throughout this favorable stretch, the Shockers notably defeated the No. 14 Memphis team. In their upcoming schedule, Wichita State will compete in two of their last three games away from home. Presently, they hold the seventh position in the American Standings, five games behind North Texas and 6.5 games behind Memphis. The team averages 74.7 points per game, ranking 162nd, while they concede an average of 73.0 points per game, placing them 213th. The Shockers rank 40th in rebounds with an average of 38.8, yet they are 328th in assists, averaging 12.3.
The North Texas Mean Green are currently in superior form compared to Wichita State. They have achieved victories in 11 of their last 13 contests, with their only defeats occurring against UTSA and UAB. Recently, North Texas returned home following a two-game road trip, during which they secured wins against USF and FAU. Presently, they hold the second position in the American Standings, trailing Memphis by 1.5 games. The Mean Green are averaging 68.2 points per game (346th) while allowing only 58.9 points per game (2nd). Additionally, they are recording 33.3 rebounds per game (336th) and providing 10.7 assists per game (425th).
The Pick:
The Shockers have successfully won their last three games on the road; however, North Texas has been outstanding at home this season, with a record of 13-1. It seems improbable that the Mean Green will face a second home loss in this particular game. They are focused on securing the No. 2 seed for the conference tournament while keeping UAB at bay, leading me to support the home team for both the win and the spread. North Texas has covered the spread in 18 of their last 32 games, while Wichita State has only managed to cover 14 of their last 32 games.
UCLA vs Northwestern Prediction 3/3/25 College Basketball Picks
UCLA at Northwestern at 9 PM ET
The performance of the UCLA Bruins has been marked by inconsistency in recent times. After an impressive series of seven consecutive victories, the team has faced challenges, losing three out of their last five games. Their latest defeat was against Purdue on the road, with previous losses to Minnesota and Illinois. Presently, UCLA stands 6th in the Big Ten Standings, maintaining a four-game lead over Northwestern while trailing the top team, Michigan State, by four games. The Bruins are averaging 74.4 points per game (178th) and allowing 65.0 points per game (21st). Furthermore, they are recording an average of 32.5 rebounds per game (364th) and 16.0 assists per game (58th).
In 2025, the Northwestern Wildcats successfully achieved back-to-back victories for the first time. Following a difficult phase that saw them lose six out of seven games, Northwestern turned their fortunes around with three consecutive wins against Ohio State, Minnesota, and Iowa. Impressively, two of these wins were on the road, and it is encouraging for the Wildcats that they held their opponents to fewer than 64 points in all three contests. Presently, Northwestern stands 12th in the Big Ten standings, tied in record with Nebraska, Minnesota, and Rutgers. The team averages 73.3 points per game, placing them 214th, while they allow 69.0 points per game, ranking 89th. Additionally, they are positioned 269th in rebounds with an average of 34.3 and 134th in assists with an average of 14.5.
The Pick:
In their last ten games, Northwestern has gone Over the total in seven instances. Although both teams feature commendable defensive units, I am convinced that they can achieve a combined score of at least 135 points. Northwestern’s games this season have been characterized by close finishes, including four overtime periods already. It would not be surprising if this matchup against UCLA also leads to overtime. Even if the game is decided within the standard time frame, I expect a nail-biting finish with many free throws in the closing stages. Northwestern has surpassed the Game Total Over in 22 of their last 35 games, while UCLA has done so in 9 of their last 13 games played away from home.