5 Best Bets for College Basketball Saturday: Iowa’s Last Chance?

Washington State (-8) vs. Stanford

We referenced Washington State as a potential team to keep an eye on a few weeks ago, and they have not let us down. The Cougs are on a six-game win streak and will look to extend it to seven on Saturday night as lowly Stanford heads north. Myles Rice and Isaac Jones are one of the top inside-outside duos in the entire country, and they took the Cardinal to the woodshed last time these teams faced. The pair combined for 59 points on a ridiculous 26-for-41 shooting from the field in the 89-75 victory. Look for a repeat tonight from a team determined to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 15 years.

Iowa (+1.5) vs. Wisconsin

Iowa's gotta get it done in a big spot at some point. It feels like we've been waiting all season for the Hawkeyes to make their move as a team that has hovered just outside of bubble talk for the majority of the season. They get a great chance on Saturday with Wisconsin coming to Carver Hawkeye, and we're willing to fade a Badgers team that has simply imploded in recent weeks. They've dropped four of five, with all four defeats coming by multiple possessions. It's gotta come at some point for Fran McCaffery's crew, and we'll pick today to be that day.

Marquette (+7) vs. UConn

Fading UConn, especially at home, is typically a death wish. But this number is massive for an incredibly talented Marquette team that has waltzed into Illinois, St. John's, Villanova, and Butler this season and walked away with wins. It's a golden opportunity for them to get onto that top-seed line; we're sure they'll be aware of that heading into the game. If Tyler Kolek continues to play the way he has in the Golden Eagles' past four games, they will give the Huskies hell in Hartford on Saturday. Take the hefty helping of points here.

Eastern Washington (-3.5) vs. Weber State

We love Weber State, but it's rare for anybody to walk into Reese Court and get a victory. The Eagles are a ridiculous 25-1 in their past 26 home games dating back to the 2021-22 season, their only loss coming to an incredibly talented Montana State team last season who went on to play in the NCAA Tournament. Plus, they've already taken down this Weber State game on the road last month in a thrilling 80-78 win where they held Dillon Jones to a modest 14-point outing. If they can limit his production again, we don't believe that Weber State's secondary options have the goods to get it done on the road here. Back the Eagles and lay the points.

Washington State (-8) vs. Stanford

We referenced Washington State as a potential team to keep an eye on a few weeks ago, and they have not let us down. The Cougs are on a six-game win streak and will look to extend it to seven on Saturday night as lowly Stanford heads north. Myles Rice and Isaac Jones are one of the top inside-outside duos in the entire country, and they took the Cardinal to the woodshed last time these teams faced. The pair combined for 59 points on a ridiculous 26-for-41 shooting from the field in the 89-75 victory. Look for a repeat tonight from a team determined to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 15 years.