Men's college basketball picks today: Monday's best bets include Syracuse vs. SMU play [3/9/2026]

Today’s men's college basketball picks for March 9, 2026 are here, with Syracuse vs. SMU and Siena vs. Merrimack among the top plays identified by our model across Monday’s men's college basketball play.

Dimers’ predictive analytics engine runs 24/7, going over the latest men's college basketball odds to uncover top betting edges. The result? Data-backed picks that help Dimers Pro members make smarter decisions.

List of NCAAM picks tonight [3/9, updated 9:40PM ET]

Below, you’ll find today’s top 10 men's college basketball bets, ranked by edge for Monday, March 9, 2026.

Syracuse +5.5 (-115)

• Edge: 7.5%
• Probability: 61%
• Matchup: Syracuse vs. SMU (4:30PM ET, Tuesday)

Our model has identified value on Syracuse +5.5 at -115 odds. A 61% probability produces an edge of 7.5%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Siena +3.5 (-108)

• Edge: 6.5%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: Siena vs. Merrimack (9:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Siena +3.5 carries a 6.5% edge and a probability of 58.4% at -108 odds, according to our model.

Vermont ML (-550)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 90.4%
• Matchup: N.J.I.T. vs. Vermont (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Vermont ML at -550 odds shows a 5.8% edge, supported by a 90.4% probability in simulations.

Siena vs. Merrimack over 127.5 points (-108)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Siena vs. Merrimack (9:00PM ET, Tuesday)

A 5.1% edge and 57% probability make Siena vs. Merrimack over 127.5 points at a value play in the Siena vs. Merrimack matchup, per our model.

Santa Clara +4.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Santa Clara vs. Saint Mary's (11:30PM ET, Monday)

Santa Clara +4.5 at -105 odds presents a 4.3% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 55.5%.

Wake Forest +2.5 (-108)

• Edge: 3.7%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Wake Forest vs. Virginia Tech (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Our model finds value on Wake Forest +2.5 at -108 odds, supported by an edge of 3.7%.

Northwestern ML (-230)

• Edge: 3.5%
• Probability: 73.2%
• Matchup: Penn State vs. Northwestern (7:30PM ET, Tuesday)

Our model has uncovered value on Northwestern ML at -230 odds. A 73.2% probability produces a 3.5% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Weber State +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Weber State vs. Eastern Washington (10:00PM ET, Monday)

A 3.4% edge on a 55.8% probability makes Weber State +3.5 at -110 odds a solid value play in today's Weber State vs. Eastern Washington matchup.

Arizona State +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Baylor vs. Arizona State (12:30PM ET, Tuesday)

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

Missouri State ML (-105)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 54.6%
• Matchup: Penn State vs. Northwestern (6:30PM ET, Tuesday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Missouri State to defeat Florida International at -105 odds shows a 54.6% probability and a 3.4% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Monday, 3/9/2026

As of 9:40PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Syracuse vs. SMU	Syracuse +5.5	-115 @ BetMGM	7.5%	61%
Siena vs. Merrimack	Siena +3.5	-108 @ DraftKings	6.5%	58.4%
N.J.I.T. vs. Vermont	Vermont ML	-550 @ DraftKings	5.8%	90.4%
Siena vs. Merrimack	Over 127.5 Points	-108 @ DraftKings	5.1%	57%
Santa Clara vs. Saint Mary's	Santa Clara +4.5	-105 @ BetMGM	4.3%	55.5%
Wake Forest vs. Virginia Tech	Wake Forest +2.5	-108 @ DraftKings	3.7%	55.6%
Penn State vs. Northwestern	Northwestern ML	-230 @ FanDuel	3.5%	73.2%
Weber State vs. Eastern Washington	Weber State +3.5	-110 @ BetMGM	3.4%	55.8%
Baylor vs. Arizona State	Arizona State +3.5	-110 @ BetMGM	3.4%	55.8%
Missouri State vs. Florida International	Missouri State ML	-105 @ FanDuel	3.4%	54.6%

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

• Weber State vs. Eastern Washington (10:00PM ET, Monday)
• Santa Clara vs. Saint Mary's (11:30PM ET, Monday)
• Baylor vs. Arizona State (12:30PM ET, Tuesday)
• Pittsburgh vs. Stanford (2:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• Alcorn State vs. Prairie View A&M (2:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• Utah vs. Cincinnati (3:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• Syracuse vs. SMU (4:30PM ET, Tuesday)
• Maryland vs. Oregon (5:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• Massachusetts-Lowell vs. UMBC (6:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• Missouri State vs. Florida International (6:30PM ET, Tuesday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for March 9, 2026, featuring plays such as Syracuse +5.5 and Siena +3.5. 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 grounded in 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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