Men's college basketball picks today: Tuesday's best bets include Saint Louis vs. Rhode Island play [2/17/2026]

Rhode Island +9.5 (-105)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Saint Louis vs. Rhode Island (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Our model has identified value on Rhode Island +9.5 at -105 odds. A 57% probability produces an edge of 5.8%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Rutgers +3.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.3%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Rutgers vs. Penn State (6:00PM ET, Wednesday)

Rutgers +3.5 carries a 5.3% edge and a probability of 55.8% at -102 odds, according to our model.

Louisville -4.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.3%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Louisville vs. SMU (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Louisville -4.5 vs. SMU at -102 odds shows a 5.3% edge, supported by a 55.8% probability in simulations.

Akron vs. Western Michigan under 158.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 4.9%
• Probability: 56.1%
• Matchup: Akron vs. Western Michigan (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)

A 4.9% edge and 56.1% probability make Akron vs. Western Michigan under 158.5 points at a value play in the Akron vs. Western Michigan matchup, per our model.

Rhode Island ML (+440)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 23.3%
• Matchup: Saint Louis vs. Rhode Island (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Rhode Island ML at +440 odds presents a 4.8% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 23.3%.

Kansas State +3.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 55.8%
• Matchup: Baylor vs. Kansas State (9:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Our model finds value on Kansas State +3.5 at -105 odds, supported by an edge of 4.6%.

Western Michigan +13.5 (-105)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 55.5%
• Matchup: Akron vs. Western Michigan (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Our model has uncovered value on Western Michigan +13.5 at -105 odds. A 55.5% probability produces a 4.3% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Virginia Tech +7.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.3%
• Probability: 54.8%
• Matchup: Virginia Tech vs. Miami (FL) (8:00PM ET, Tuesday)

A 4.3% edge on a 54.8% probability makes Virginia Tech +7.5 at -102 odds a solid value play in today's Virginia Tech vs. Miami (FL) matchup.

Ball State vs. Ohio over 144.5 points (-108)

• Edge: 4.0%
• Probability: 56%
• Matchup: Ball State vs. Ohio (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Our model projects value on over 144.5 points at -108 odds. A 56% probability produces a 4.0% edge, making the over the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

Virginia Commonwealth -6.5 (-105)

• Edge: 3.8%
• Probability: 55%
• Matchup: Akron vs. Western Michigan (8:00PM ET, Tuesday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, Virginia Commonwealth -6.5 at -105 odds shows a 55% probability and a 3.8% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Tuesday, 2/17/2026

As of 6:04PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Saint Louis vs. Rhode Island	Rhode Island +9.5	-105 @ DraftKings	5.8%	57%
Rutgers vs. Penn State	Rutgers +3.5	-102 @ FanDuel	5.3%	55.8%
Louisville vs. SMU	Louisville -4.5	-102 @ FanDuel	5.3%	55.8%
Akron vs. Western Michigan	Under 158.5 Points	-105 @ FanDuel	4.9%	56.1%
Saint Louis vs. Rhode Island	Rhode Island ML	+440 @ DraftKings	4.8%	23.3%
Baylor vs. Kansas State	Kansas State +3.5	-105 @ BetMGM	4.6%	55.8%
Akron vs. Western Michigan	Western Michigan +13.5	-105 @ BetMGM	4.3%	55.5%
Virginia Tech vs. Miami (FL)	Virginia Tech +7.5	-102 @ FanDuel	4.3%	54.8%
Ball State vs. Ohio	Over 144.5 Points	-108 @ DraftKings	4.0%	56%
George Washington vs. Virginia Commonwealth	Virginia Commonwealth -6.5	-105 @ BetMGM	3.8%	55%

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

• Michigan vs. Purdue (6:30PM ET, Tuesday)
• Central Michigan vs. Eastern Michigan (6:30PM ET, Tuesday)
• Villanova vs. Xavier (6:30PM ET, Tuesday)
• Northern Illinois vs. Buffalo (6:30PM ET, Tuesday)
• Saint Louis vs. Rhode Island (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• Kent State vs. Bowling Green (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• South Carolina vs. Florida (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• Ball State vs. Ohio (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• North Carolina vs. North Carolina State (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)
• Miami (OH) vs. Massachusetts (7:00PM ET, Tuesday)

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for February 17, 2026, featuring plays such as Rhode Island +9.5 and Rutgers +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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