College Hoops Betting Preview: Expert Picks and Dark Horse Teams
Welcome to the latest insights from the Need for Seeds college basketball podcast, hosted by Griffin Warner and Big East Ben. With an impressive 23-17 record this season (a 58% win rate), these betting experts are delivering sharp analysis and top picks for Wednesday, February 26th. In this article, we’ll break down their takes on five key games, spotlight their dark horse teams in the American conference, and share their best bets. Plus, there’s an exclusive promo code for pregame.com to save on expert picks packages. Let’s jump into the action!
Five Key Games for Wednesday, February 26th
1. Maryland vs. Michigan State
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Line: Maryland -3.5
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Total: 150.5
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Analysis: Maryland is scorching hot, winning eight of their last nine games, and boasts a 10-4 record against the spread (ATS) at home. Big East Ben highlights their interior dominance with players like Queen and Julian Reese (Angel Reese’s brother), especially against a Michigan State team that struggles from beyond the arc. Griffin Warner acknowledges the Spartans’ recent three-game win streak (including victories over Illinois, Purdue, and Michigan), but he’s sticking with the Terrapins at home.
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Pick: Maryland -3.5 (both hosts agree)
2. Vanderbilt at Texas A&M
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Line: Vanderbilt +7.5
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Total: 146
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Analysis: Big East Ben favors Texas A&M, citing their physical edge and status as the nation’s top offensive rebounding team (42% of misses). The Aggies are 9-4 ATS at home and should exploit Vanderbilt’s smaller, finesse-oriented lineup. Griffin Warner pushes back, pointing to Vanderbilt’s ability to keep road games close (e.g., leading Kentucky at halftime and nearly upsetting Tennessee). He expects a tighter contest than the line suggests.
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Picks: Big East Ben: Texas A&M -7.5 | Griffin: Vanderbilt +7.5
3. Ole Miss at Auburn
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Line: Ole Miss +12.5
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Total: 153.5
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Analysis: Big East Ben sees value in Ole Miss, arguing that Auburn—despite their lofty seeding—has been uninspired lately, failing to cover against Arkansas and Georgia. He trusts Chris Beard’s scrappy squad to keep it competitive, especially if Auburn’s 50% three-point shooting from their first meeting (a 92-82 win) regresses. Griffin Warner opts for the over, anticipating a shootout driven by Ole Miss’s Sean Pedulla and Auburn’s firepower.
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Picks: Big East Ben: Ole Miss +12.5 | Griffin: Over 153.5
4. Texas at Arkansas
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Line: Texas +4.5
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Total: 148
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Analysis: Both hosts align on the under. Arkansas’s defense ranks 20th in efficiency, and both teams struggle offensively away from home (Texas is 261st in three-point attempts, Arkansas 238th). The under is 10-5 at Arkansas home games and 6-5 in Texas road contests, suggesting a low-scoring, bubble-team battle.
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Pick: Under 148 (consensus)
5. Utah State at Boise State
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Line: Utah State +3.5
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Total: 150
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Analysis: Big East Ben backs Boise State, emphasizing their 9-3 ATS home record and physical advantages (second-best defensive rebounding team nationally). Utah State’s defense ranks 114th in efficiency and 259th in two-point defense, a mismatch against Boise’s interior attack. Griffin Warner joins reluctantly, preferring a -3 line but agreeing the Mountain West home advantage is hard to ignore.
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Pick: Boise State -3.5 (both hosts)
Dark Horse Teams in the American Conference
With conference tournaments looming, the hosts spotlight sleeper teams in the American Athletic Conference:
Best Bets for Wednesday
Exclusive Promo Code for Pregame.com
Want to cash in on these expert picks? Use promo code BLOCKING20 at pregame.com for 20% off any package from Griffin Warner or Big East Ben. The offer’s valid for seven days from the podcast’s release—perfect timing as March Madness nears!
Final Thoughts
From sharp game breakdowns to sleeper teams and actionable bets, Griffin Warner and Big East Ben are your go-to guides for college basketball betting. Their 58% win rate this season speaks volumes, and this episode delivers the goods for Wednesday’s slate. Tune into Need for Seeds for more, and don’t forget to snag that BLOCKING20 discount at pregame.com. Let’s make some winning picks!