It’s the first Tuesday of December, and the ACC/SEC Challenge takes center stage tonight with a loaded slate.
But also, there's other games with value in the sport from a betting perspective.
So, read below for tonight’s college basketball best bets, including NCAAB expert picks and predictions for Tuesday, December 2.
College Basketball Best Bets
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 8 p.m. | |
  | 9 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NCAAB Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Florida A&M vs. Jacksonville
By Doug Ziefel
Tonight's matchup at Swisher Gymnasium pits the struggling Florida A&M Rattlers (0-4) against the inconsistent Jacksonville Dolphins (3-4) in a non-conference clash that screams high-scoring chaos.
The Rattlers, mired in a four-game skid, have been a defensive sieve, surrendering a league-worst 94.5 points per game while coughing up possessions at an alarming rate (averaging 12.6 turnovers).
Their offense isn't lighting it up at 64 points per outing, and this is a road environment, where they've dropped 28 of their last 29 non-conference night games.
The Dolphins bring the firepower (73.3 PPG) and are led by Jaylen Jones (10.7 PPG) and a backcourt that pushes the tempo through Evan Sterck's 4.1 assists per contest.
Jacksonville's 45.7% field goal efficiency ranks well above Florida A&M's opponents, and its rebounding edge (+3.2 margin) sets up second-chance opportunities galore.
Both squads rank outside the top 250 in defensive efficiency, with Florida A&M allowing foes to shoot 35.5% from deep, which is prime for Jacksonville's 29.5% 3-point clip to cash in.
Our Action Pro projections cut through the noise: We forecast a total of 142.4, delivering an 11.7% edge over the current line of 136.5. Lock in the over, as this one has fireworks written all over it.
Pick: Over 136.5
Purdue vs. Rutgers
By Evan Abrams
Tonight's Big Ten opener at Jersey Mike's Arena features the undefeated No. 1 Purdue Boilermakers (7-0) taking on a Rutgers Scarlet Knights squad (5-3) that's primed to grind out a defensive slugfest.
The Boilermakers, riding a seven-game heater with wins over Alabama and Texas Tech, have a potent attack that's averaging 89.7 points behind Braden Smith's orchestration and Fletcher Loyer's 3-point stroke (43%+ from deep).
But on the road, Purdue's tempo dips. In other words, expect Matt Painter to dial back the pace against a Rutgers defense that's allowed just 75 points per game at home, while holding opponents to sub-42% shooting in recent tilts.
The Scarlet Knights, fresh off a 75-63 loss to Wisconsin (total: 138), thrive in this venue's rock-fight reputation. Under Steve Pikiell, Rutgers turns games into physical chess matches, ranking top-50 in defensive efficiency with a +3.2 rebounding edge at Jersey Mike's.
The Scarlet Knights' backcourt, led by Aundre Hyatt's 12.4 points per game and Clifford Omoruyi's rim protection (2.1 blocks per game), forces turnovers (11.2 per contest) and limits transition, which is key against Purdue's half-court heavy style.
Notably, Rutgers' last three home games vs. Purdue all cashed the under decisively (averaging 128 total points), and both teams enter off unders in their prior outings.
Venue factors seal the deal: Jersey Mike's Arena, with its deeper backdrops and unique lighting, has a multi-season track record of suppressing shooting rhythm and offensive flow, pushing 68% of Big Ten games here under similar totals.
Teams in these environments — especially post-under — lean defensive, slowing pace by 4-6 possessions per game on average.
Evan Abrams' "Stadium Under" System has been immensely profitable, delivering a 28% return on investment (ROI) since 2021 and is already 9-3 this season with a 42% ROI.
Pick: Under 146.5
UConn vs. Kansas
The Huskies have never beaten Kansas.
But it's not just that history that has me backing UConn. I just don't think the Jayhawks are as good as the Huskies. Their strengths play right into the Huskies' strengths, and their weaknesses play right into UConn's.
Even if Darryn Peterson plays, he could be rusty, and Kansas' role players haven't been great offensively.
This game will be won and lost by overall depth, and since we have a solid price on the moneyline, that's the best angle to take.
Click below to get Jonathan's full UConn vs. Kansas preview:
Pick: UConn ML -130
