Men's college basketball picks today: Friday's best bets include Cincinnati vs. Kansas play [2/20/2026]

Kansas -10.5 (-110)

• Edge: 5.9%
• Probability: 58.2%
• Matchup: Cincinnati vs. Kansas (1:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has identified value on Kansas -10.5 at -110 odds. A 58.2% probability produces an edge of 5.9%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Cincinnati vs. Kansas over 136.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 56%
• Matchup: Cincinnati vs. Kansas (1:00PM ET, Saturday)

Cincinnati vs. Kansas over 136.5 points carries a 4.8% edge and a probability of 56% at -105 odds, according to our model.

USC -5.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.7%
• Probability: 55.2%
• Matchup: Oregon vs. USC (4:00PM ET, Saturday)

USC -5.5 vs. Oregon at -102 odds shows a 4.7% edge, supported by a 55.2% probability in simulations.

Princeton vs. Brown over 130.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.4%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Princeton vs. Brown (7:00PM ET, Friday)

A 4.4% edge and 55.6% probability make Princeton vs. Brown over 130.5 points at a value play in the Princeton vs. Brown matchup, per our model.

Texas +1.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Texas vs. Georgia (3:30PM ET, Saturday)

Texas +1.5 at -102 odds presents a 4.3% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 54.8%.

Siena vs. Merrimack over 133.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Siena vs. Merrimack (8:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on over 133.5 points in Siena vs. Merrimack at -105 odds, supported by an edge of 3.6%.

Virginia -8.5 (-105)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Miami (FL) vs. Virginia (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has uncovered value on Virginia -8.5 at -105 odds. A 54.8% probability produces a 3.6% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Detroit Mercy +1.5 (-105)

• Edge: 3.5%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Milwaukee vs. Detroit Mercy (7:00PM ET, Friday)

A 3.5% edge on a 54.8% probability makes Detroit Mercy +1.5 at -105 odds a solid value play in today's Milwaukee vs. Detroit Mercy matchup.

Tennessee +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model projects value on Tennessee +3.5 at -110 odds. A 55.8% probability produces a 3.4% edge, making Tennessee the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

St. Peter's +1.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Miami (FL) vs. Virginia (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, St. Peter's +1.5 at -110 odds shows a 55.8% probability and a 3.4% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Friday, 2/20/2026

As of 5:09PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Cincinnati vs. Kansas	Kansas -10.5	-110 @ DraftKings	5.9%	58.2%
Cincinnati vs. Kansas	Over 136.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	4.8%	56%
Oregon vs. USC	USC -5.5	-102 @ FanDuel	4.7%	55.2%
Princeton vs. Brown	Over 130.5 Points	-105 @ DraftKings	4.4%	55.6%
Texas vs. Georgia	Texas +1.5	-102 @ FanDuel	4.3%	54.8%
Siena vs. Merrimack	Over 133.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	3.6%	54.8%
Miami (FL) vs. Virginia	Virginia -8.5	-105 @ DraftKings	3.6%	54.8%
Milwaukee vs. Detroit Mercy	Detroit Mercy +1.5	-105 @ BetMGM	3.5%	54.8%
Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt	Tennessee +3.5	-110 @ FanDuel	3.4%	55.8%
St. Peter's vs. Iona	St. Peter's +1.5	-110 @ DraftKings	3.4%	55.8%

List of upcoming men's college basketball games to bet on now

• Akron vs. Ball State (6:30PM ET, Friday)
• Virginia Commonwealth vs. Saint Louis (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Milwaukee vs. Detroit Mercy (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Green Bay vs. Oakland (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Princeton vs. Brown (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Canisius vs. Rider (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• St. Peter's vs. Iona (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Marist vs. Manhattan (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Niagara vs. Mount St. Mary's (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Sacred Heart vs. Fairfield (7:00PM ET, Friday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for February 20, 2026, featuring plays such as Kansas -10.5 and over 136.5 points also in the Cincinnati vs. Kansas matchup. Powered by advanced simulations, these picks are here to boost your betting game.

This article, enhanced by AI and automation, aims to deliver accurate college basketball insights quickly, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on current data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.

All odds and probabilities in this article are correct and accurate at the time of publication.

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