Championship week keeps getting bigger as conference tournaments move deeper into the quarterfinals, semifinals, and title games. With more automatic bids to the Big Dance being handed out, the stakes are only getting higher. Wednesday didn’t go exactly as planned, but it wasn’t a total loss—time to adjust and attack Thursday’s board.
This card features four college basketball bets worth targeting. We start with an ACC team that’s handled this opponent all season, then look at an A-10 squad known for its suffocating defense. Next is a potential Cinderella run brewing in the Big Ten, before finishing in the SEC with a revenge-minded team chasing its first quarterfinal trip since 2018.
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change. DraftKings does not sponsor this content.
Virginia Cavaliers -5.5 (-110)
Beating the same team three times in a season is never easy, but Virginia has clearly had NC State’s number this year. The Cavaliers dominated both meetings, holding the Wolfpack to 61 points in each game while scoring 90 and 76 themselves. NC State showed its offensive ability by scoring 98 against Pittsburgh, but Virginia presents a much tougher defensive challenge. The Cavaliers average around 80 points per game and play strong defense that travels well. They also come in with a rest advantage after not playing since Saturday. Even if Virginia starts slow, its defense should take over and help the Cavaliers pull away in the second half to cover.
George Mason Patriots -3.5 (-110)
George Mason heads into the A-10 Tournament with momentum after a convincing win over No. 1 seed Saint Louis to close the regular season. The Patriots also covered the spread in their final three games and have had recent success against St. Bonaventure, winning and covering the last four meetings, including both matchups this season. St. Bonaventure did pick up a win over La Salle in the opening round but had not won since Feb. 26 before that. The Bonnies also have failed to cover in six of their last eight games. George Mason’s pressure defense under coach Tony Skinn has held opponents to just 67.6 points per game, the third-best mark in the A-10.
Northwestern Wildcats +11.5 (-108)
Northwestern is playing its best basketball at the right time. They’ve won five of their last seven games and covered the spread in five of their last six. Purdue, meanwhile, is struggling at the betting window, going just 1-5 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games. These teams met on March 4, when Purdue won 70-66 but Northwestern still covered as a 10.5-point home underdog. The Wildcats kept it close without Jake West in the lineup and have been fueled by Nick Martinelli, who has scored 22 or more points in seven straight games, including 28 against Purdue. With momentum building in March, Northwestern looks like the right side.
Georgia Bulldogs -5.5 (-115)
The Rebels picked up an emotional first-round win for coach Chris Beard, but before that they had dropped eight of their previous nine games. Georgia, on the other hand, comes in playing well, winning and covering five of its last six. The Bulldogs bring one of the most explosive offenses in the country, averaging 90.4 points per game and leading the nation in fastbreak scoring at 20.3 points per contest. Georgia also has extra motivation after losing a heartbreaking overtime game to Ole Miss two months ago. With the Bulldogs’ pace and scoring ability, this feels like a good spot for them to get some revenge and cover.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports Betting section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.