Best Sports Betting Picks Today: College Basketball Predictions for February 7th | Deadspin.com

With Super Bowl 59 on Sunday, bettors have been keeping sportsbooks busy leading up to the Big Game. But while football fans may disagree, the Super Bowl is not the only game in town. There are several excellent basketball games on deck, and some have made our best bets for Friday, Feb. 7.

The following are a few of the games we’re excited to bet on today.

Best Bets Feb. 7: NCAAB

VCU vs. Dayton

On paper, Dayton looks like it should be the favorite to win the A-10, but after a rough January (4-4), they aren’t. VCU, on the other hand, has been one of the top teams in the conference (8-2) with a solid offense (No. 78) and one of the best defenses in the country (No. 12). 

However, Dayton has been tough at home this season (13-1), while VCU has had some issues on the road (3-3). The Flyers have won three in a row at home, but each one was a pretty competitive game against some of the conference’s weaker teams.

VCU is one of the best. They may not be at their best on the road, but they will not need to be against Dayton.

Our Pick: VCU -1.5 at -106 (FanDuel)

Saint Louis vs. St. Joseph’s

I’ve seen quite a few people pick St. Joseph’s to win this game at home, but not a single one explained how this game would be different than the last one, where Saint Louis destroyed St. Joe’s 73-57.

That was the first of five losses they would suffer in their next eight games. Saint Louis went on to win five of its next eight. Both lost to the conference’s better teams, i.e., Dayton and VCU (the Billikens also have a win over VCU).

Neither is playing great basketball right now, but Saint Louis is playing better overall. However, their road woes will likely help keep this one closer than it should be. That being said, this is a game Saint Louis should win. If you are feeling cautious, take the points (+5.5). But if you’re feeling greedy…

Our Pick: Saint Louis ML at +190 (FanDuel)

Utah State vs. Fresno State

The Aggies (20-3, 10-2) are one of the best teams in the Mountain West; Fresno State is one of the worst (5-18, 1-11). Utah State will win this game, but the question is whether they’ll cover. They didn’t a month ago (Jan. 4), when they were 23.5-point favorites and went on to win by six, 89-83.

Utah State underestimated the Bulldogs in that game. They will not make the same mistake twice.

Our Pick: Utah State -13.5 (-110)

USC vs. Purdue

If the pattern holds, it may be a good day to get behind the Trojans and bet on them to win. Why? USC has been trading wins and losses for the last few games. After the win over Iowa on Jan. 14, USC lost to Wisconsin, a game that they followed with a win over Nebraska.

After beating the Huskers, USC lost to UCLA, beat Michigan State, and then lost their last time out on Tuesday. So, if the pattern continues to hold, USC will beat Purdue. Yeah, don’t count on that.

The Boilermakers are one of the best teams in the country this season. Purdue is undefeated at home and playing well on both ends of the court. USC’s offense is not talented enough to fight through the Boilermakers’ defense and will probably not slow down the Trojans offense much (if at all).

Our Pick: Purdue -12.5 at -120 (FanDuel).