The Friday the 13th slate lacks Top 25 matchups, but several of the best programs in college basketball do take the court against potential NCAA Tournament teams.
Among the 10 best games in my college basketball moneyline picks today is Arizona's road clash with a feisty Auburn squad looking to prove itself.
Also covered in my college basketball picks today are Virginia vs. Maryland, Ohio State vs. UConn, and DePaul vs. Northwestern.
College basketball moneyline picks: Nov. 13
For help understanding Polymarket probabilities, see our odds calculator.
| Matchup | Pick |
|---|---|
 Arizona Auburn |
43% |
 Virginia Maryland |
70% |
 Ohio State UConn |
86% |
 Xavier Mississippi State |
62% |
 Pitt Butler |
41% |
 DePaul Northwestern |
50% |
 Georgia North Carolina |
63% |
 Seton Hall Alabama |
93% |
 UC San Diego Utah State |
89% |
 Georgetown Clemson |
65% |
Percentages courtesy of Polymarket, one of our best prediction market apps.
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Expert college basketball moneyline picks: Nov. 13
Arizona vs Auburn: Auburn
Losing so much NBA talent from last year's team has already led to Arizona being upset in its season opener, losing 84-75 to UCLA. It could happen again against an Auburn team with a potent offense. The Tigers have one of the most electric guards in the country in Tahaad Pettiford, who ranks 14th nationally in OBPR (5.64).
Auburn has an experienced lineup with a deep group of guards that should push an Arizona team that's relying heavily on young players. The key will be stopping Motiejus Krivas and Ivan Kharchenov inside, but Auburn has serious size with Narcisse Ngoy and Bukky Oboye.
Virginia vs Maryland: Virginia
Maryland looked terrible against Georgetown, losing by 12 as a 3.5-point favorite last week. It won't get easier against a Virginia team with Final Four hopes. The Hoyas killed the Terrapins with their perimeter shooting (15-for-30 from three) and big man Vince Iwuchukwu.
Virginia has the inside game with National Player of the Year contender Thijs De Ridder and the outside shooting with Chance Mallory and Sam Lewis. Maryland doesn't have the defense even to keep this close, ranking 344th in eFG% allowed (60.5%).
Ohio State vs UConn: UConn
Even with its best roster in years, Ohio State looks like it will limp to the NCAA Tournament at best. The Buckeyes blew a double-digit lead to BYU to open the season and then didn't even shoot that well against Marshall. UConn is a different beast, with the Huskies dominating Michigan already this season in a rematch of the national title game.
Dan Hurley once again has an experienced and versatile lineup led by Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins. Those two have UConn's offense ranked Top 25 in adjusted efficiency (118.7) and poised to light up a Buckeyes defense allowing a 52.8% eFG%.
Xavier vs Mississippi State: Xavier
Xavier's defense will be too suffocating for Mississippi State. Richard Pitino's team is No. 2 nationally in eFG% allowed (32.6%), and with the pace the Musketeers play at on the offensive end (No. 4 in adjusted tempo), Xavier is just going to wear the Bulldogs out in this neutral-site matchup.
Pitt vs Butler: Pitt
Jeff Capel has Pitt looking the best it has in years after taking down Penn State last week, and the Panthers are catching Butler at a good time. The Bulldogs were just blown out by Boise State in Ronald Nored's third game as a college basketball head coach. Will his team rebound against a Pitt team playing tough defense and only allowing a 42.7% eFG%? I have my doubts.
DePaul vs Northwestern: DePaul
The battle for Chicago's heart, though Northwestern isn't actually in the city, is going to be a good one. Chris Holtmann has completely turned DePaul around, and this could be a signature win for him. The Blue Demons have a spicy defense (allowing a 42.5% eFG%) and a dynamo shooter in Ade Popoola who should make the difference against a Wildcats team lacking perimeter shooting, especially if Jack Karasinski is out.
Georgia vs North Carolina: North Carolina
This is Michael Malone's first real test as North Carolina's head coach, and I expect him to pass. Georgia's defense is unimpressive, ranking 97th in adjusted efficiency and allowing opponents to put up a 51.5% eFG% (51.5%). Terrence Brown and Jarin Stevenson should own the inside and run away with this game.
Seton Hall vs Alabama: Alabama
Shaheen Holloway has Seton Hall headed in the right direction, but the Pirates aren't ready to compete with the high-flying scoring of a Nate Oats team. Alabama is averaging over 100 points per game and ranks Top 5 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency (122.6), adjusted tempo (76.3), and made 3-pointers per game (16.3).
UC San Diego vs Utah State: Utah State
These are two of the best mid-major programs in the country, but Utah State is on another planet compared to UC San Diego, even with new head coach Ben Jacobson. Jacobson, who long dominated the mid-major level at Northern Iowa, has his Aggies ranked Top 25 in eFG% (60.8%) and assists per game (23.7). Mason Falslev is the best player at the mid-major level, so I don't think this will be close.
Georgetown vs Clemson: Clemson
Georgetown looked impressive in its upset win against Maryland, but was lackluster earlier this week against Delaware State. Playing Clemson on the road will be tough, and the Tigers have an absolute bucket-getter in Ace Buckner (19.7 ppg). Clemson is shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc, and the Hoyas just won't be able to keep up with that on the road.
Today's college basketball moneyline combo
Auburn
Virginia
UConn
Virginia and UConn should cruise to victories with their massive talent advantages, on top of having far more trustworthy coaches. But unlike the Cavaliers and Huskies, Auburn isn't a massive favorite and is a 2.5-point underdog at home.
However, Steven Pearl has put together a really interesting roster that has serious starting experience and size. Tommy Lloyd's team is a lot less proven outside of Krivas and Kharchenov, and I think it could take a few weeks for the Wildcats to click.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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