Friday’s Expert College Basketball Picks for January 31

Bassyonni

Published: January 31, 2026 8:25 AM ET

Friday’s Expert College Basketball Picks for January 31

As college basketball enthusiasts gear up for Saturday, January 31, expert handicapper Greg Peterson has offered valuable insights into the day’s matchups. Below are Peterson’s top picks for key games, emphasizing crucial stats and trends that could influence betting outcomes.

Key College Basketball Picks for January 31

Texas Tech vs. Central Florida

At 12:00 PM Eastern, Central Florida will host Texas Tech. Central Florida ranks 19th nationally with a 38.7% offensive rebound percentage at home. Texas Tech, however, struggles defensively, sitting at 132nd in overall points allowed per possession. Central Florida is also impressing with a stellar 38% from the three-point line.

Pick: Central Florida +5

Duke vs. Virginia Tech

In a 1:00 PM Eastern showdown, Duke faces Virginia Tech. Duke has an advantage on the boards, ranking 7th in rebound percentage, while Virginia Tech is significantly lower at 187th. Virginia Tech has excelled in minimizing turnovers, ranking 30th in the nation.

Pick: Virginia Tech +12

San Diego State vs. Utah State

Expected to start at 1:00 PM Eastern, this matchup features two teams proficient in creating turnovers. San Diego State is ranked 17th in defensive turnover percentage, while Utah State excels even further at 8th. However, San Diego State’s stats may skew due to a few overtime games.

Pick: Under 146

North Carolina vs. Georgia Tech

During the 2:00 PM Eastern game, North Carolina will take on Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech struggles offensively, placing 268th in points per possession, while North Carolina’s defense holds opponents to 41st in the same metric.

Pick: Under 157.5

East Tennessee vs. Wofford

Set for 2:00 PM Eastern, East Tennessee faces Wofford, who currently ranks low defensively at 305th in points allowed per possession. East Tennessee is 50th in creating turnovers, adding to their edge.

Pick: East Tennessee -1.5

High Point vs. Longwood

This matchup at 3:00 PM Eastern showcases High Point’s formidable offense. They rank 14th in points per possession and hold a significant advantage in turnover metrics versus Longwood.

Pick: High Point -10.5

Evansville vs. Northern Iowa

At 4:00 PM Eastern, Evansville is crippled by injuries and has not performed well. They rank 342nd in points and turnovers per possession, while Northern Iowa excels in defense.

Pick: Northern Iowa -10.5

Little Rock vs. Tennessee Tech

This 4:00 PM Eastern game highlights Little Rock’s many struggles, including a high turnover rate. Tennessee Tech looks to capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses.

Pick: Tennessee Tech +2

Hawaii vs. Long Beach State

At 4:30 PM Eastern, Hawaii ranks second in defensive points allowed. Long Beach State faces challenges both offensively and defensively.

Pick: Under 146.5

BYU vs. Kansas

This late game at 6:00 PM Eastern features BYU, which ranks 24th in offensive efficiency. Kansas, with a strong defense ranking 9th, will look to keep the game low-scoring.

Pick: BYU +4.5

Stanford vs. Florida State

Starting at 10:00 PM Eastern, Stanford ranks 145th in offensive efficiency but performs better in neutral games. Florida State will look to maximize their three-point shooting opportunities.

Pick: Stanford +2.5

Pacific vs. San Francisco

In the late matchup at 10:30 PM Eastern, Pacific and San Francisco both struggle with turnovers. Pacific excels defensively in limiting second-chance opportunities.

Pick: Under 139

St. Mary’s vs. Gonzaga

The final match of the day features St. Mary’s and Gonzaga at 10:30 PM Eastern. Gonzaga has strengths on defense, while St. Mary’s has improved their defensive stats.