Men's college basketball picks today: Wednesday's best bets include Richmond vs. Davidson play [2/18/2026]

Richmond +5.5 (-118)

• Edge: 6.6%
• Probability: 60.7%
• Matchup: Richmond vs. Davidson (7:00PM ET, Wednesday)

Our model has identified value on Richmond +5.5 at -118 odds. A 60.7% probability produces an edge of 6.6%, making this the strongest play for today's men's college basketball slate.

Bucknell +3.5 (-108)

• Edge: 6.5%
• Probability: 58.4%
• Matchup: American University vs. Bucknell (7:00PM ET, Wednesday)

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

San Francisco +14.5 (-105)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Gonzaga vs. San Francisco (11:00PM ET, Wednesday)

San Francisco +14.5 vs. Gonzaga at -105 odds shows a 5.8% edge, supported by a 57% probability in simulations.

Mississippi State +5.5 (-110)

• Edge: 5.8%
• Probability: 58.2%
• Matchup: Auburn vs. Mississippi State (9:00PM ET, Wednesday)

A 5.8% edge and 58.2% probability make Mississippi State +5.5 vs. Auburn at a value play in the Auburn vs. Mississippi State matchup, per our model.

North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State over 145.5 points (-105)

• Edge: 5.7%
• Probability: 56.9%
• Matchup: North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State (8:00PM ET, Wednesday)

North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State over 145.5 points at -105 odds presents a 5.7% edge, with simulations resulting in a probability of 56.9%.

Tennessee -12.5 (-102)

• Edge: 5.4%
• Probability: 55.9%
• Matchup: Oklahoma vs. Tennessee (7:00PM ET, Wednesday)

Our model finds value on Tennessee -12.5 at -102 odds, supported by an edge of 5.4%.

Mississippi State ML (+205)

• Edge: 4.8%
• Probability: 36%
• Matchup: Auburn vs. Mississippi State (9:00PM ET, Wednesday)

Our model has uncovered value on Mississippi State ML at +205 odds. A 36% probability produces a 4.8% edge, making this a strong play for today's men's college basketball action.

Purdue Fort Wayne +5.5 (-102)

• Edge: 4.7%
• Probability: 55.2%
• Matchup: Purdue Fort Wayne vs. Northern Kentucky (7:00PM ET, Wednesday)

A 4.7% edge on a 55.2% probability makes Purdue Fort Wayne +5.5 at -102 odds a solid value play in today's Purdue Fort Wayne vs. Northern Kentucky matchup.

USC +9.5 (-110)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 57%
• Matchup: Illinois vs. USC (10:00PM ET, Wednesday)

Our model projects value on USC +9.5 at -110 odds. A 57% probability produces a 4.6% edge, making USC the favorable side in Saturday’s matchup.

George Mason ML (-130)

• Edge: 4.6%
• Probability: 61.6%
• Matchup: Auburn vs. Mississippi State (7:00PM ET, Wednesday)

Rounding out our top 10 bets, George Mason to defeat Dayton at -130 odds shows a 61.6% probability and a 4.6% edge.

NCAAM best bets summary: Wednesday, 2/18/2026

As of 5:43PM ET, here are our top men's college basketball bets by edge recommended by our model:

Matchup	Bet	Odds	Edge	Probability
Richmond vs. Davidson	Richmond +5.5	-118 @ BetMGM	6.6%	60.7%
American University vs. Bucknell	Bucknell +3.5	-108 @ DraftKings	6.5%	58.4%
Gonzaga vs. San Francisco	San Francisco +14.5	-105 @ DraftKings	5.8%	57%
Auburn vs. Mississippi State	Mississippi State +5.5	-110 @ BetMGM	5.8%	58.2%
North Dakota State vs. South Dakota State	Over 145.5 Points	-105 @ BetMGM	5.7%	56.9%
Oklahoma vs. Tennessee	Tennessee -12.5	-102 @ DraftKings	5.4%	55.9%
Auburn vs. Mississippi State	Mississippi State ML	+205 @ FanDuel	4.8%	36%
Purdue Fort Wayne vs. Northern Kentucky	Purdue Fort Wayne +5.5	-102 @ BetMGM	4.7%	55.2%
Illinois vs. USC	USC +9.5	-110 @ FanDuel	4.6%	57%
Dayton vs. George Mason	George Mason ML	-130 @ DraftKings	4.6%	61.6%

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

• Virginia Military vs. Wofford (6:00PM ET, Wednesday)
• Rutgers vs. Penn State (6:00PM ET, Wednesday)
• Lafayette vs. Holy Cross (6:00PM ET, Wednesday)
• East Tennessee State vs. Furman (6:30PM ET, Wednesday)
• Butler vs. Georgetown (6:30PM ET, Wednesday)
• Cleveland State vs. Youngstown State (6:30PM ET, Wednesday)
• Arkansas vs. Alabama (7:00PM ET, Wednesday)
• Richmond vs. Davidson (7:00PM ET, Wednesday)
• Purdue Fort Wayne vs. Northern Kentucky (7:00PM ET, Wednesday)
• Wichita State vs. East Carolina (7:00PM ET, Wednesday)

What Is Dimebot?

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Conclusion

Our men's college basketball best bets are locked and loaded for February 18, 2026, featuring plays such as Richmond +5.5 and Bucknell +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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