Men's college basketball picks today: Saturday's best bets include UCF vs. Utah play [2/21/2026]

UCF +1.5 (-125)

• Edge: 7.1%
• Probability: 62.7%
• Matchup: UCF vs. Utah (9:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has identified value on UCF +1.5 at -125 odds. A 62.7% probability produces an edge of 7.1%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

BYU +3.5 (-120)

• Edge: 6.6%
• Probability: 61.2%
• Matchup: Iowa State vs. BYU (10:30PM ET, Saturday)

BYU +3.5 carries a 6.6% edge and a probability of 61.2% at -120 odds, according to our model.

Lamar ML (-218)

• Edge: 6.5%
• Probability: 75.1%
• Matchup: New Orleans vs. Lamar (7:00PM ET, Saturday)

Lamar ML at -218 odds shows a 6.5% edge, supported by a 75.1% probability in simulations.

UCF ML (-110)

• Edge: 5.4%
• Probability: 57.8%
• Matchup: UCF vs. Utah (9:00PM ET, Saturday)

A 5.4% edge and 57.8% probability make UCF at the moneyline at a value play in the UCF vs. Utah matchup, per our model.

Lamar -5.5 (-110)

• Edge: 5.3%
• Probability: 57.7%
• Matchup: New Orleans vs. Lamar (7:00PM ET, Saturday)

Lamar -5.5 at -110 odds presents a 5.3% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 57.7%.

Illinois State +3.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.0%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Illinois State vs. Bradley (8:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model finds value on Illinois State +3.5 at -102 odds, supported by an edge of 5.0%.

Washington State +8.5 (-110)

• Edge: 4.9%
• Probability: 57.3%
• Matchup: Saint Mary's vs. Washington State (10:00PM ET, Saturday)

Our model has uncovered value on Washington State +8.5 at -110 odds. A 57.3% probability produces a 4.9% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Pacific vs. Gonzaga over 143.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 56%
• Matchup: Pacific vs. Gonzaga (9:00PM ET, Saturday)

A 4.8% edge on a 56% probability makes over 143.5 points at -105 odds a solid value play in today's Pacific vs. Gonzaga matchup.

Kentucky +3.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Kentucky vs. Auburn (8:30PM ET, Saturday)

Our model projects value on Kentucky +3.5 at -105 odds. A 55.8% probability produces a 4.6% edge, making Kentucky the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Long Beach State +3.5 (-106)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Saint Mary's vs. Washington State (9:00PM ET, Saturday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Long Beach State +3.5 at -106 odds shows a 55.8% probability and a 4.3% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Saturday, 2/21/2026

As of 5:36PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
UCF vs. Utah	UCF +1.5	-125 @ BetMGM	7.1%	62.7%
Iowa State vs. BYU	BYU +3.5	-120 @ FanDuel	6.6%	61.2%
New Orleans vs. Lamar	Lamar ML	-218 @ DraftKings	6.5%	75.1%
UCF vs. Utah	UCF ML	-110 @ BetMGM	5.4%	57.8%
New Orleans vs. Lamar	Lamar -5.5	-110 @ BetMGM	5.3%	57.7%
Illinois State vs. Bradley	Illinois State +3.5	-102 @ FanDuel	5.0%	55.5%
Saint Mary's vs. Washington State	Washington State +8.5	-110 @ FanDuel	4.9%	57.3%
Pacific vs. Gonzaga	Over 143.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	4.8%	56%
Kentucky vs. Auburn	Kentucky +3.5	-105 @ BetMGM	4.6%	55.8%
Cal State Northridge vs. Long Beach State	Long Beach State +3.5	-106 @ FanDuel	4.3%	55.8%

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

• Stanford vs. California (6:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Georgetown vs. Seton Hall (6:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Alabama vs. LSU (6:00PM ET, Saturday)
• St. Bonaventure vs. Richmond (6:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Temple vs. Wichita State (6:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Loyola Marymount vs. San Diego (6:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Southern Illinois vs. Northern Iowa (6:00PM ET, Saturday)
• San Diego State vs. Colorado State (6:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Montana State vs. Idaho State (6:00PM ET, Saturday)
• Buffalo vs. Massachusetts (6:00PM ET, Saturday)

What Is Dimebot?

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for February 21, 2026, featuring plays such as UCF +1.5 and BYU +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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