Free College Basketball Picks For Today, Wednesday 2/19/2025

We have a busy day in the CBB with plenty of high-profile duels, so make sure to check out the College Basketball Picks for Wednesday 2/19/2025.

Nebraska vs Penn State Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

Nebraska at Penn State at 6:30 PM ET

This season, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have compiled a record of 17 wins and 9 losses, positioning themselves at 10th in the Big Ten standings. They recently secured a 68-64 victory over Northwestern. Against the spread, the Cornhuskers have a record of 15-11, and they stand at 13-13 regarding over/under outcomes, with a road performance of 5 wins and 5 losses. Brice Williams is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 19.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, while Juwan Gary contributes an average of 13.6 points and 4.7 rebounds.

The Penn State Nittany Lions currently hold a record of 13 wins and 13 losses this season, placing them 18th in the Big Ten Conference. They recently suffered a narrow defeat, losing 73-75 to Washington. Against the spread, the Lions have an 11-15 record and a 10-16 record in over/under betting, while they boast a commendable home record of 10 wins and 5 losses. Ace Baldwin is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 14 points per game and contributing a team-high of 7.2 assists, while Nicholas Kern supports the team with an average of 12.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.

The Pick:

In their recent history, Nebraska has recorded a 3-1 advantage over Penn State in their last four meetings and has excelled against the spread, achieving a 6-1 record in their last seven encounters. The Under has prevailed in five of their last eight matchups. In their latest meeting last season, Nebraska triumphed at home with a score of 68-49, covering the spread while the total points fell below the expected amount. Meanwhile, Penn State is experiencing a downturn, with a dismal 1-9 record in their last ten games and a 0-5 mark against the spread in their last five outings. In contrast, Nebraska is performing well, holding a 5-1 record in their last six games and also 5-1 against the spread. Given these circumstances, the Nebraska Cornhuskers present a compelling option, making them a wise choice to cover the points on the road.

Vanderbilt vs Kentucky Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

Vanderbilt at Kentucky at 7 PM ET

The Vanderbilt Commodores currently hold a record of 17 wins and 8 losses this season, following their recent defeat against Tennessee, which ended with a score of 81-76. In that match, the Commodores achieved a shooting percentage of 45.8% from the field, 44.4% from beyond the arc, and 71.4% from the free-throw line. Jason Edwards was the standout player for Vanderbilt, contributing 24 points and securing one rebound, while Jaylen Carey supported the effort with 18 points and seven rebounds.

This season, the Kentucky Wildcats have a record of 17-8 after their recent loss to Texas, which concluded with a score of 82-78. During the game, the Wildcats recorded a field goal percentage of 41.9%, a three-point shooting percentage of 25%, and a free-throw percentage of 71.4%. Otega Oweh led the team with 20 points and five rebounds, while Amari Williams contributed significantly with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

The Pick:

Vanderbilt’s recent performance has been disappointing, with the team losing four of their last five games and holding a 0-5 record in their last five away matches. They did manage to defeat Kentucky 74-69 a few weeks ago, but their form has deteriorated since that encounter. While Kentucky’s injury situation is a valid concern, I cannot support Vanderbilt in their current away form. Consequently, I advise taking Kentucky to cover the spread in this game.

Cincinnati vs West Virginia Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

Cincinnati at West Virginia at 7 PM ET

Cincinnati recently faced Iowa State in their last game, where their performance fell short of expectations. The team scored 70 points, but their defense allowed 81 points, leading to their defeat. Jizzie James had a notable game, scoring 25 points along with two rebounds and one assist. The Bearcats currently possess an overall record of 15-10 and have an 11-14 record against the spread. On the road this season, they have recorded a 4-6 performance. Cincinnati’s offense averages 72.1 points per game, while their defense permits 65.1 points. In terms of rankings, their offense is 244th in the league, while their defense ranks 25th.

In their latest game against Baylor, West Virginia experienced a loss, finishing with a score of 74-71. They successfully forced the game into overtime, but their failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities led to their downfall. The Mountaineers’ current overall record stands at 15-10, with a spread record of 14-11. They average 69.4 points per game, while their defensive unit allows 64.4 points per game. Offensively, they rank 296th in the league, in contrast to their defense, which is ranked 20th.

The Pick:

Cincinnati stands out as an exceptional offensive team, boasting an average of 72.1 points per game. Their offensive prowess positions them as the superior team, enabling them to easily elevate their scoring. On the other hand, West Virginia averages 69.4 points per game and is not expected to find enough success to create a substantial advantage. It is recommended to back Cincinnati against the spread in this contest.

SMU vs Notre Dame Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

SMU at Notre Dame at 7 PM ET

The SMU Mustangs approach this contest aiming to recover from a 77-66 setback against Wake Forest, which has resulted in a season record of 19-6. Leading the team in both scoring and assists is Boopie Miller, who averages 13.4 points and 5.7 assists per game. Chuck Harris follows closely with an average of 12.5 points per game, while Matt Cross contributes 11.9 points per game and leads the team in rebounding with 8.2 rebounds per game. B.J. Edwards adds to the offensive effort with 10.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, along with 2.2 steals per game. Samet Yigitoglu also plays a vital role, averaging 10.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Karlo Oquendo completes the list of double-digit scorers for SMU, averaging 10.3 points and 3.2 rebounds per game this season.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to compete in this game with the intention of rebounding from a 75-60 loss to Louisville in their most recent match, which places their overall record at 11-14 for the season. Markus Burton has emerged as a leading scorer, averaging 21.3 points per game, along with 3.4 rebounds and 3 assists in 18 games played this season. Tae Davis supports the offense with an average of 15.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Additionally, Braeden Shrewsberry contributes to the scoring effort with an average of 13.7 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, completing the list of players scoring in double figures for Notre Dame this season.

The Pick:

It is my opinion that SMU stands out as the stronger team in this scenario, given that Notre Dame’s performance largely hinges on Markus Burton, with occasional support from Tae Davis. SMU boasts a more comprehensive array of talent. I anticipate that the Mustangs will achieve both the win and the cover in this game. My preference is for SMU.

NC State vs North Carolina Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

NC State at North Carolina at 7 PM ET

NC State performed admirably in their most recent match, achieving a total of 70 points against Boston College, which secured them an eight-point victory. Jayden Taylor delivered an impressive performance, contributing 19 points, three rebounds, and one assist. Currently, NC State holds an overall record of 10-15 and has an 8-17 record against the spread. This season, they have struggled on the road, with a straight-up record of 0-7. The team averages 69.5 points per game, while their defense allows 68.7 points per game. Offensively, they are ranked 294th in the league, whereas their defense is positioned 81st.

North Carolina has struggled throughout the season, yet they recently achieved a significant win in their last outing. The team scored 88 points in a match against Syracuse, winning by a six-point margin. Ian Jackson had a standout performance, scoring 23 points and securing four rebounds. Currently, UNC’s overall record stands at 15-11, with a 7-18-1 record against the spread. At home, they have a 9-12 record against the spread. The team averages 80 points per game, while their defense permits an average of 76.8 points. Offensively, they rank 45th in the league, while their defense is ranked 312th.

The Pick:

North Carolina is currently averaging 80.3 points per game, indicating their capability to deliver a strong offensive performance in this matchup. Anticipate a well-rounded offensive strategy, suggesting that this game will likely result in a significant victory. Back North Carolina to secure both the win and cover the spread.

UIC vs Drake Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

UIC at Drake at 7:30 PM ET

During the game on Sunday against Missouri State, the Flames held a five-point lead at halftime. They continued to perform well in the second half, finishing the game with a 63-58 win, having scored 28 points after the break. Javon Jackson was the top scorer for the team, achieving 16 points along with three rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Modestas Kancleris was a key contributor from the bench, scoring 13 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and blocking three shots, while Sasa Ciani added 10 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes of action.

In their matchup against Bradley on Sunday, the Bulldogs found themselves trailing 31-30 at halftime. Unfortunately for Drake, the situation did not improve in the second half, as they fell further behind with a score of 30-29, resulting in a challenging home defeat of 61-59. Leading the scoring for the Bulldogs was Daniel Abreu, who recorded 16 points and three rebounds. Mitch Mascari contributed 14 points, along with two rebounds and one steal. Additionally, Kael Combs provided a spark off the bench, scoring 11 points, securing three rebounds, and dishing out two assists.

The Pick:

Drake has recorded scores below 60 points in two of their last four contests, highlighting the need for a stronger offensive performance on Wednesday. In their last matchup on New Year’s Day, the Bulldogs fell to Drake with a score of 74-70. In that game, Drake permitted 57.4 percent shooting and had 12 turnovers, suggesting ample opportunity for enhancement in the forthcoming rematch. I believe the Bulldogs will aim to rectify their previous loss.

Oregon vs Iowa Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

Oregon at Iowa at 8:30 PM ET

This season, the Oregon Ducks have compiled an 18-8 record, placing them 9th in the Big Ten standings. They recently secured a 75-57 victory over Rutgers. The Ducks’ performance against the spread stands at 11-15, and they have a 15-11 record in over/under betting, with a road record of 4-4. Jackson Shelstad is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 13.7 points per game along with 3 rebounds, while Nathan Bittle contributes 12.6 points and leads the team with 7 rebounds per game.

The Iowa Hawkeyes have achieved a record of 14 wins and 11 losses this season, currently occupying the 13th position in the Big Ten Conference. They are coming off a significant loss to Maryland, with a final score of 75-101. The team’s performance against the spread is 10-15, and they have a 14-11 record in over/under betting, alongside an impressive home record of 11-4. Owen Freeman leads the team in scoring, averaging 16.7 points per game, and also holds the highest average for rebounds at 6.7. Payton Sandfort further enhances the team’s performance with averages of 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.

The Pick:

In their three matchups, Oregon has secured a 2-1 record against Iowa, including a 2-1 mark against the spread. The over has hit in two of these encounters, with the most recent game in 2021 resulting in a 95-80 victory for Oregon on the road, where they also covered the spread. Both teams are currently struggling, with Iowa and Oregon posting records of 1-8 and 2-8 against the spread in their last nine and ten games, respectively. This season, both teams have frequently engaged in high-scoring contests, evidenced by a combined over record of 29-22. Thus, another high-scoring game is expected today. Go with Over.

Alabama vs Missouri Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

Alabama at Missouri at 9 PM ET

The Alabama Crimson Tide’s current season record stands at 21-4, following their latest game in which they were defeated by Auburn with a score of 94-85. In this encounter, the Crimson Tide’s shooting statistics were 38.6% from the field, 19.2% from three-point territory, and 74.3% from the free-throw line. Mark Sears was the leading scorer for Alabama, finishing with 18 points and two assists, while Grant Nelson contributed significantly with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

With a season record of 19-6, the Missouri Tigers secured a win against Georgia, finishing the game with a score of 87-74. During this contest, the Tigers demonstrated shooting proficiency, achieving 47.1% from the field, 31% on three-point attempts, and 85.7% from the free-throw line. Caleb Grill led the team with 15 points and five rebounds, while Anthony Robinson II matched his performance with 15 points and five rebounds as well.

The Pick:

This season, the Crimson Tide have emerged as one of the top teams in the country, consistently scoring over 90 points per game. Their only setbacks have been against Auburn, Ole Miss, Oregon, and Purdue, which sets the stage for a challenging road game ahead. Missouri holds an 8-4 record in SEC competition and has recently achieved significant wins over Florida, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. The Tigers are shooting at an impressive 48% from the field and have demonstrated stronger defensive metrics throughout the season. Although Alabama is favored in this matchup, they are coming off a grueling contest against Auburn and will encounter a difficult atmosphere in Missouri. It would be smart to back Missouri for a home victory.

Arkansas vs Auburn Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

Arkansas at Auburn at 9 PM ET

Arkansas has faced challenges this season, recently suffering another defeat in their latest match. In their game against Texas A&M, Arkansas managed to score only 61 points, resulting in a loss. Karter Knox delivered a commendable performance, contributing 17 points and securing five rebounds. Currently, Arkansas holds an overall record of 15-10 and has a record of 9-15-1 against the spread. When playing away from home, their record stands at 3-4. The team averages 76.1 points per game, while their defense concedes an average of 68.9 points. Offensively, they are ranked 124th in the league, whereas their defensive ranking is 91st.

Auburn is demonstrating strong potential to capture the title, following yet another impressive victory. They scored 94 points in their recent game against Alabama, which secured them a nine-point win. Johni Broome excelled with a remarkable performance, tallying 19 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. Currently, Auburn boasts an overall record of 23-2 and has a 16-9 record against the spread. The team averages 85.1 points per game, while their defense concedes 68.4 points. In terms of rankings, their offense is positioned 5th in the league, while their defense ranks 72nd.

The Pick:

Although Auburn is considered a stronger offensive unit, one should not underestimate the scoring prowess of the Arkansas team. They possess a wealth of scoring options and are likely to experience offensive success in this contest. While Auburn is anticipated to emerge victorious, it is expected that Arkansas will exceed the 75-point mark. Therefore, backing Arkansas to cover the spread is recommended.

St. John’s vs DePaul Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

St. John’s at DePaul at 9 PM ET

The St. John’s Red Storm enter this matchup aiming to capitalize on their recent victory against Creighton, where they secured a 79-73 win, bringing their season record to 22-4. RJ Luis Jr. is the leading scorer for the Red Storm, averaging 17.6 points per game, along with 7.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Additionally, Zuby Ejiofor contributes significantly with an average of 13.9 points per game and a team-high of 8 rebounds.

The DePaul Blue Demons approach this game with the intent to rebound from an 85-68 setback against Xavier in their last outing, resulting in a season record of 11-15. CJ Gunn stands out as the team’s top scorer, averaging 12.3 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game. Additionally, Jacob Meyer contributes significantly with an average of 10.9 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game, being the sole other player to achieve double-digit scoring for DePaul this season.

The Pick:

I believe that St. John’s possesses the capability to score freely in this matchup, similar to their previous encounter where they amassed 89 points against the Blue Demons. Despite DePaul’s struggles, they have demonstrated a surprising ability to score more than anticipated compared to previous seasons. Notably, the initial game between these two teams resulted in a combined total of 150 points. Therefore, I anticipate another high-scoring contest and would recommend betting on the Over for this game.

Gonzaga vs Washington State Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

Gonzaga at Washington State at 9 PM ET

In the rematch against Pepperdine on Saturday, the Bulldogs encountered minimal challenges. Gonzaga commenced the game with a dominant 55-26 run in the first half, followed by a subsequent 52-29 stretch, culminating in a decisive 107-55 victory. Khalif Battle was the standout performer, contributing 24 points, five rebounds, and three assists in just 25 minutes of play. Nolan Hickman supported the effort with 18 points, seven assists, and three rebounds, while both Braden Huff and Michael Ajayi each added 10 points off the bench.

Over the weekend, the Cougars faced off in a rematch on Saint Mary’s road, where they trailed by four points at the halftime mark. Washington State failed to close the gap, leading to a decisive loss with a second-half score of 39-22, resulting in a final score of 77-56. LeJuan Watts emerged as the leading scorer for the team, recording 17 points, four assists, and one block. Isaiah Watts contributed 12 points, along with six rebounds and three assists, while Ethan Price also scored in double figures with 11 points and five rebounds.

The Pick:

The positive aspect is that the Cougars have been performing well offensively, scoring 68 or more points in four of their last six games. However, the negative aspect is their defensive struggles, as they have been conceding a significant number of points. In their previous encounter on January 11, Washington State lost to the Bulldogs with a score of 88-75. Despite shooting an impressive 53.3 percent, the Cougars committed 16 turnovers, which resulted in 20 points for the Bulldogs. I anticipate that Washington State will improve its performance in the upcoming home game, potentially achieving a cover.

Portland vs St. Mary’s Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

Portland at St. Mary’s at 10 PM ET

This season, the Portland Pilots have recorded 10 victories and 17 defeats, placing them 8th in the West Coast Conference standings. They are coming off a recent win against Loyola Marymount, where they triumphed with a score of 89-78. The Pilots’ performance against the spread stands at 12 wins and 13 losses, and they have a record of 15 wins and 10 losses in over/under betting, alongside a challenging road record of 2 wins and 7 losses. Max Mackinnon leads the team in scoring, averaging 14.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, while Austin Rapp adds 13.8 points and a team-high of 6.3 rebounds per game.

The Saint Mary’s Gaels have recorded an impressive 23-4 this season, securing the top position in the West Coast Conference. They recently celebrated a victory over Washington State, winning the game 77-56. The Gaels’ performance against the spread stands at 13-13, while their over/under record is 10-15-1, and they have excelled at home with a record of 14-1. Augustas Marciulionis leads the team in scoring with an average of 14.3 points per game and also holds the highest assists at 6.1, while Paulius Murauskas contributes 12.7 points and leads the team in rebounds with an average of 8.2 per game.

The Pick:

Saint Mary’s has achieved victory in their last ten encounters with Portland, maintaining a perfect 7-0 record against the spread in their last seven matchups. The total has exceeded expectations in three out of their four meetings. In their most recent clash earlier this season, Saint Mary’s secured an 81-58 win on the road, successfully covering the spread while surpassing the point total. Portland has struggled significantly in away games and has been consistently outperformed by Saint Mary’s in recent years. It is anticipated that the home team will replicate their previous success this season, having won by 23 points in their earlier matchup. Therefore, it is advisable to back the Saint Mary’s Gaels and lay the points at home.

Rutgers vs Washington Prediction 2/19/25 College Basketball Picks

Rutgers at Washington at 10:30 PM ET

In their recent game against Oregon, Rutgers experienced a setback, losing by a score of 75-57. Lathan Sommerville had a standout performance, scoring 14 points, along with three rebounds and one assist. Guard Dylan Harper also performed well, contributing 13 points, three rebounds, and one assist. As it stands, Rutgers has an overall record of 12-14 and a spread record of 11-14-1. The team averages 75.5 points per game, with their defense yielding the same average. Offensively, they rank 137th in the league, while their defensive ranking is 284th.

Washington faced off against the Penn State Nittany Lions in an away game, successfully securing a victory. The team demonstrated a remarkable performance in the second half, scoring 41 points, which ultimately led to their win. Mekhi Morton contributed significantly, recording 20 points and one rebound. With this victory, Washington’s overall record improved to 13-12, and they have achieved a 13-11 record against the spread. Currently, Washington averages 71.9 points per game, while their defense concedes an average of 73.1 points. Offensively, they rank 250th in the league, whereas their defensive ranking stands at 227th.

The Pick:

Rutgers has struggled significantly in away games, achieving only a 2-6 record. Meanwhile, Washington boasts an impressive average of over 71 points per game, and they are likely to surpass this figure in the forthcoming contest. Given the anticipated deficiencies in Rutgers’s offense, Washington is expected to emerge victorious.