5 Potential Upsets for Saturday’s College Basketball Slate

Mercer (+330) over Samford (N)

We've designated the "N" here to signify that this game is slated for a neutral site in the Southern Conference Tournament quarterfinals. Throughout the season, Samford has dominated this conference, but one team that has consistently challenged them is Mercer. Despite finishing conference play with a record below .500 at 8-10, Mercer managed to upset the Bulldogs three weeks ago and only suffered a seven-point loss on the road back in January. Head coach Greg Gary seems to have a strategy to contain Samford's gameplay, and history suggests he's capable of delivering when facing this matchup. It wouldn't be surprising if the game remains tightly contested well into the second half.

Kansas State (+136) over Iowa State

Every damn time Kansas State has needed a big-time win in the Little Apple, they've gotten it. It's helped keep them at least within the realm of bubble talk to this point, and they're going to need to do it again to stay relevant within the conversation. We're going to back them to get it done with a defense that could give the Cyclones some fits on the road here. We saw the Wildcats start the second half against Iowa State on a 25-13 run the last time they played in January. If they can do that again and get the crowd involved, this could be upset city.

Bradley (+110) over Drake

You might find this moneyline short, but Bradley's roster is stacked with talent. The quartet of Malevy Leons, Duke Deen, Connor Hickman, and Darius Hannah, highlighted in our preview of the Missouri Valley Tournament, stands out as the league's best. They possess the skill to match up against the Bulldogs, supported by the coaching prowess of Brian Wardle. Their previous regular-season matchups with Drake were close, with Bradley staying within single digits each time. Expect them to excel on a neutral court. Betting on Bradley, both with the points and potentially the moneyline, seems like a wise choice for Saturday's game.

Kentucky (+265) over Tennessee

Kentucky might offer a tempting moneyline opportunity, considering the team's unpredictability. With a wide spectrum of potential outcomes, they often become an appealing choice as underdogs. This season, we've witnessed both moments of uncertainty from the Wildcats, resembling a group of lost freshmen, and flashes of brilliance, showcasing their immense talent. In the past month, they've notably improved, winning seven out of their last nine games. Given their talent level, the current odds seem somewhat inflated. While experience was initially a concern, after 30 games, the players have gained valuable insight. Let's give these young athletes a chance to prove themselves in Knoxville.

Mercer (+330) over Samford (N)

We've designated the "N" here to signify that this game is slated for a neutral site in the Southern Conference Tournament quarterfinals. Throughout the season, Samford has dominated this conference, but one team that has consistently challenged them is Mercer. Despite finishing conference play with a record below .500 at 8-10, Mercer managed to upset the Bulldogs three weeks ago and only suffered a seven-point loss on the road back in January. Head coach Greg Gary seems to have a strategy to contain Samford's gameplay, and history suggests he's capable of delivering when facing this matchup. It wouldn't be surprising if the game remains tightly contested well into the second half.