Men's college basketball picks today: Sunday's best bets include Merrimack vs. Marist play [1/18/2026]

Marist ML (-250)

• Edge: 7.3%
• Probability: 78.7%
• Matchup: Merrimack vs. Marist (2:00PM ET, Monday)

Our model has identified value on Marist to defeat Merrimack at -250 odds. A 78.7% probability produces an edge of 7.3%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Texas A&M-CC +7.5 (-110)

• Edge: 4.9%
• Probability: 57.3%
• Matchup: McNeese State vs. Texas A&M-CC (4:00PM ET, Monday)

Texas A&M-CC +7.5 carries a 4.9% edge and a probability of 57.3% at -110 odds, according to our model.

Providence vs. Marquette over 166.5 points (-110)

• Edge: 4.7%
• Probability: 57.1%
• Matchup: Providence vs. Marquette (6:00PM ET, Monday)

Providence vs. Marquette over 166.5 points at -110 odds shows a 4.7% edge, supported by a 57.1% probability in simulations.

Marist -6.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.5%
• Probability: 55%
• Matchup: Merrimack vs. Marist (2:00PM ET, Monday)

A 4.5% edge and 55% probability make Marist -6.5 vs. Merrimack at a value play in the Merrimack vs. Marist matchup, per our model.

Drexel vs. Towson over 124.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 55%
• Matchup: Drexel vs. Towson (1:00PM ET, Monday)

Drexel vs. Towson over 124.5 points at -105 odds presents a 3.8% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 55%.

Pennsylvania +4.5 (-108)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Pennsylvania vs. Harvard (2:00PM ET, Monday)

Our model finds value on Pennsylvania +4.5 at -108 odds, supported by an edge of 3.6%.

Towson ML (-275)

• Edge: 3.5%
• Probability: 76.8%
• Matchup: Drexel vs. Towson (1:00PM ET, Monday)

Our model has uncovered value on Towson ML at -275 odds. A 76.8% probability produces a 3.5% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Rider +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Sacred Heart vs. Rider (2:00PM ET, Monday)

A 3.4% edge on a 55.8% probability makes Rider +3.5 at -110 odds a solid value play in today's Sacred Heart vs. Rider matchup.

St. Peter's -3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Iona vs. St. Peter's (2:00PM ET, Monday)

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

New Hampshire +1.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.4%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Drexel vs. Towson (2:00PM ET, Monday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, New Hampshire +1.5 at -110 odds shows a 55.8% probability and a 3.4% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Sunday, 1/18/2026

As of 6:10PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Merrimack vs. Marist	Marist ML	-250 @ BetMGM	7.3%	78.7%
McNeese State vs. Texas A&M-CC	Texas A&M-CC +7.5	-110 @ DraftKings	4.9%	57.3%
Providence vs. Marquette	Over 166.5 Points	-110 @ FanDuel	4.7%	57.1%
Merrimack vs. Marist	Marist -6.5	-102 @ BetMGM	4.5%	55%
Drexel vs. Towson	Over 124.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	3.8%	55%
Pennsylvania vs. Harvard	Pennsylvania +4.5	-108 @ DraftKings	3.6%	55.5%
Drexel vs. Towson	Towson ML	-275 @ BetMGM	3.5%	76.8%
Sacred Heart vs. Rider	Rider +3.5	-110 @ FanDuel	3.4%	55.8%
Iona vs. St. Peter's	St. Peter's -3.5	-110 @ DraftKings	3.4%	55.8%
New Hampshire vs. Maine	New Hampshire +1.5	-110 @ FanDuel	3.4%	55.8%

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

• Arizona State vs. Houston (6:30PM ET, Sunday)
• Washington State vs. San Francisco (7:00PM ET, Sunday)
• Northeastern vs. Monmouth (11:00AM ET, Monday)
• Drexel vs. Towson (1:00PM ET, Monday)
• Vermont vs. Albany (1:00PM ET, Monday)
• Fairfield vs. Siena (2:00PM ET, Monday)
• Sacred Heart vs. Rider (2:00PM ET, Monday)
• Merrimack vs. Marist (2:00PM ET, Monday)
• Cornell vs. Brown (2:00PM ET, Monday)
• Iona vs. St. Peter's (2:00PM ET, Monday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for January 18, 2026, featuring plays such as Marist ML and Texas A&M-CC +7.5. 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 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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