Best College Basketball Bets Today: Florida vs. Alabama, Maryland vs. Michigan & More | Deadspin.com

There will be a few NBA games taking place tonight, but none as compelling as the two Top 10 SEC teams facing off.

Be our guest if you find better value or entertainment—no way—in Jazz vs. Wizards. Nothing against Washington and Utah, but games like Florida vs. Alabama are where it’s at in March. Did you see Tennessee-Alabama on Saturday?

That’s not the only noteworthy college game, and some of the best matchups made our college hoops “Best Bets” list for Wednesday.

No. 13 Maryland vs. No. 17 Michigan

Poor shooting and dreadful rebounding led to Michigan’s loss to Illinois over the weekend. The Wolverines usually play decent perimeter defense but allowed the Illini to sink 14 3-pointers. When you allow that many and only hit five of your own, you’re going to get crushed—like they did.

They need to get right in this game before facing Michigan State with a share of the Big Ten title on the line.

Maryland escaped Happy Valley with a win, rebounding from a three-point loss to Michigan State last week. It wasn’t the cleanest win for the Terrapins, but it was their eighth victory in 10 games.

As for who wins, it’s a toss-up. Neither team has been playing lights out, which makes me think whoever makes the fewest mistakes will win. That being said, since neither has been playing great basketball lately, I don’t see either team lighting up the scoreboard.

Our pick: Under 154.5 (-115 at DraftKings)

No. 5 Florida vs. No. 7 Alabama

The Gators are heading to Tuscaloosa feeling pretty good, winners of eight of their last 10. Yes, the loss to Georgia was surprising and disappointing, but they rebounded well with an 89-70 win over Texas A&M. Their defense will be put to the test against Alabama’s No. 1-ranked offense.

Alabama has been struggling, winning two of its last five. The losses were to the No. 1, No. 5, and No. 15 teams in the country, but this was supposed to be a championship-caliber team. While their top-ranked offense can win games, their No. 338-ranked defense will make it a lot harder to do so.

The Tide live and die by the three, but Florida has one of the best perimeter defenses in the country. So, I doubt Alabama will make it rain in this game. Between that and the Gators getting more second-chance points because of their offensive rebounding, Florida will win outright.

Our pick: Florida ML at +130 (DraftKings)

No. 4 Tennessee vs. Ole Miss

Tennessee’s defense came up big against Alabama’s offense last time out. It will get put to the test again—somewhat—against a good but not great Ole Miss offense. However, 79 points may not do the trick against the Rebels as it did in the win over Alabama.

The Volunteers catch an Ole Miss team that is hitting a low at the worst time of year. Yes, the Rebels got a much-needed win over Oklahoma to stop the bleeding from a three-game losing streak. But the Sooners are a mediocre team on their best day, and Ole Miss only won by three, 87-84.

The Vols have been playing good basketball lately, while Ole Miss has not. I know it’s a home game for the Rebels, but I’m surprised the spread is only 2.5 points.

Our pick: Tennessee -2.5 at -102 (DraftKings)