Men's college basketball picks today: Thursday's best bets include Nebraska-Omaha vs. South Dakota play [3/5/2026]

Nebraska-Omaha ML (-128)

• Edge: 7.3%
• Probability: 63.4%
• Matchup: Nebraska-Omaha vs. South Dakota (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has identified value on Nebraska-Omaha to defeat South Dakota at -128 odds. A 63.4% probability produces an edge of 7.3%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

UCF +3.5 (-110)

• Edge: 6.0%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: UCF vs. West Virginia (8:00PM ET, Friday)

UCF +3.5 carries a 6.0% edge and a probability of 58.4% at -110 odds, according to our model.

Nebraska-Omaha -2.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.1%
• Probability: 55.6%
• Matchup: Nebraska-Omaha vs. South Dakota (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Nebraska-Omaha -2.5 vs. South Dakota at -102 odds shows a 5.1% edge, supported by a 55.6% probability in simulations.

North Dakota +3.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Denver vs. North Dakota (9:30PM ET, Friday)

A 4.6% edge and 55.8% probability make North Dakota +3.5 vs. Denver at a value play in the Denver vs. North Dakota matchup, per our model.

Stetson vs. Austin Peay under 148.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 3.6%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Stetson vs. Austin Peay (5:00PM ET, Friday)

Stetson vs. Austin Peay under 148.5 points at -105 odds presents a 3.6% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 54.8%.

Central Michigan +1.5 (-105)

• Edge: 3.5%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Central Michigan vs. Ball State (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model finds value on Central Michigan +1.5 at -105 odds, supported by an edge of 3.5%.

Longwood ML (-118)

• Edge: 3.3%
• Probability: 57.5%
• Matchup: Longwood vs. UNC Asheville (6:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model has uncovered value on Longwood ML at -118 odds. A 57.5% probability produces a 3.3% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Central Arkansas ML (-225)

• Edge: 3.3%
• Probability: 72.6%
• Matchup: Bellarmine vs. Central Arkansas (12:00PM ET, Friday)

A 3.3% edge on a 72.6% probability makes Central Arkansas to win at -225 odds a solid value play in today's Bellarmine vs. Central Arkansas matchup.

Columbia +4.5 (-110)

• Edge: 3.1%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Columbia vs. Harvard (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Our model projects value on Columbia +4.5 at -110 odds. A 55.5% probability produces a 3.1% edge, making Columbia the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Pennsylvania vs. Brown over 141.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 3.0%
• Probability: 54.2%
• Matchup: Longwood vs. UNC Asheville (7:00PM ET, Friday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Pennsylvania vs. Brown over 141.5 points at -105 odds shows a 54.2% probability and a 3.0% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Thursday, 3/5/2026

As of 9:33PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Nebraska-Omaha vs. South Dakota	Nebraska-Omaha ML	-128 @ FanDuel	7.3%	63.4%
UCF vs. West Virginia	UCF +3.5	-110 @ BetMGM	6.0%	58.4%
Nebraska-Omaha vs. South Dakota	Nebraska-Omaha -2.5	-102 @ FanDuel	5.1%	55.6%
Denver vs. North Dakota	North Dakota +3.5	-105 @ BetMGM	4.6%	55.8%
Stetson vs. Austin Peay	Under 148.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	3.6%	54.8%
Central Michigan vs. Ball State	Central Michigan +1.5	-105 @ DraftKings	3.5%	54.8%
Longwood vs. UNC Asheville	Longwood ML	-118 @ BetMGM	3.3%	57.5%
Bellarmine vs. Central Arkansas	Central Arkansas ML	-225 @ BetMGM	3.3%	72.6%
Columbia vs. Harvard	Columbia +4.5	-110 @ BetMGM	3.1%	55.5%
Pennsylvania vs. Brown	Over 141.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	3.0%	54.2%

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

• Cal Poly vs. UC Irvine (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• UC San Diego vs. Cal State Fullerton (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• Abilene Christian vs. California Baptist (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• UC Davis vs. Long Beach State (10:00PM ET, Thursday)
• San Diego vs. Loyola Marymount (11:30PM ET, Thursday)
• UC Riverside vs. Hawaii (12:00AM ET, Friday)
• Gardner-Webb vs. High Point (12:00PM ET, Friday)
• Bellarmine vs. Central Arkansas (12:00PM ET, Friday)
• Northeastern vs. North Carolina A&T (2:00PM ET, Friday)
• Charleston Southern vs. Winthrop (2:30PM ET, Friday)

What Is Dimebot?

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for March 5, 2026, featuring plays such as Nebraska-Omaha ML and UCF +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 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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