Men's college basketball picks today: Friday's best bets include Kent State vs. Akron play [3/13/2026]

Akron -6.5 (-120)

• Edge: 7.5%
• Probability: 62%
• Matchup: Kent State vs. Akron (7:30PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on Akron -6.5 at -120 odds. A 62% probability produces an edge of 7.5%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Michigan State ML (-225)

• Edge: 6.9%
• Probability: 76.1%
• Matchup: UCLA vs. Michigan State (9:00PM ET, Friday)

Michigan State ML carries a 6.9% edge and a probability of 76.1% at -225 odds, according to our model.

Michigan State -5.5 (-105)

• Edge: 6.5%
• Probability: 57.7%
• Matchup: UCLA vs. Michigan State (9:00PM ET, Friday)

Michigan State -5.5 vs. UCLA at -105 odds shows a 6.5% edge, supported by a 57.7% probability in simulations.

Virginia -2.5 (-115)

• Edge: 5.2%
• Probability: 58.7%
• Matchup: Miami (FL) vs. Virginia (7:00PM ET, Friday)

A 5.2% edge and 58.7% probability make Virginia -2.5 vs. Miami (FL) at a value play in the Miami (FL) vs. Virginia matchup, per our model.

Pennsylvania +2.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Pennsylvania vs. Harvard (2:00PM ET, Saturday)

Pennsylvania +2.5 at -102 odds presents a 5.1% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 55.6%.

Iowa State vs. Arizona over 144.5 points (-108)

• Edge: 5.0%
• Probability: 56.9%
• Matchup: Iowa State vs. Arizona (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on over 144.5 points in Iowa State vs. Arizona at -108 odds, supported by an edge of 5.0%.

Vermont +1.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Vermont vs. UMBC (11:00AM ET, Saturday)

Our model has uncovered value on Vermont +1.5 at -102 odds. A 54.8% probability produces a 4.3% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Arizona -4.5 (-108)

• Edge: 3.9%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Iowa State vs. Arizona (7:00PM ET, Friday)

A 3.9% edge on a 55.8% probability makes Arizona -4.5 at -108 odds a solid value play in today's Iowa State vs. Arizona matchup.

Virginia ML (-155)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 64.6%
• Matchup: Miami (FL) vs. Virginia (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model projects value on Virginia to win at -155 odds. A 64.6% probability produces a 3.8% edge, making Virginia the favorable ML play in Saturday’s matchup.

Cornell vs. Yale under 164.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 3.7%
• Probability: 56.1%
• Matchup: Vermont vs. UMBC (11:00AM ET, Saturday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Cornell vs. Yale under 164.5 points at -110 odds shows a 56.1% probability and a 3.7% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Friday, 3/13/2026

As of 4:14PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Kent State vs. Akron	Akron -6.5	-120 @ FanDuel	7.5%	62%
UCLA vs. Michigan State	Michigan State ML	-225 @ BetMGM	6.9%	76.1%
UCLA vs. Michigan State	Michigan State -5.5	-105 @ BetMGM	6.5%	57.7%
Miami (FL) vs. Virginia	Virginia -2.5	-115 @ BetMGM	5.2%	58.7%
Pennsylvania vs. Harvard	Pennsylvania +2.5	-102 @ FanDuel	5.1%	55.6%
Iowa State vs. Arizona	Over 144.5 Points	-108 @ DraftKings	5.0%	56.9%
Vermont vs. UMBC	Vermont +1.5	-102 @ FanDuel	4.3%	54.8%
Iowa State vs. Arizona	Arizona -4.5	-108 @ FanDuel	3.9%	55.8%
Miami (FL) vs. Virginia	Virginia ML	-155 @ DraftKings	3.8%	64.6%
Cornell vs. Yale	Under 164.5 Points	-110 @ FanDuel	3.7%	56.1%

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

• Massachusetts vs. Toledo (5:00PM ET, Friday)
• Duquesne vs. Virginia Commonwealth (5:00PM ET, Friday)
• Seton Hall vs. St. John's (5:30PM ET, Friday)
• South Carolina State vs. Howard (6:00PM ET, Friday)
• Purdue vs. Nebraska (6:30PM ET, Friday)
• Iowa State vs. Arizona (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Miami (FL) vs. Virginia (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Ole Miss vs. Alabama (7:00PM ET, Friday)
• Davidson vs. Saint Joseph's (PA) (7:30PM ET, Friday)
• Kent State vs. Akron (7:30PM ET, Friday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for March 13, 2026, featuring plays such as Akron -6.5 and Michigan State ML. 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 drawn from 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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