NCAA Basketball Best Bets & Predictions for February 24: Michigan, Iowa State Lead Tuesday Picks

The NCAA basketball season rolls on today with a number of great matchups, including one featuring the last remaining undefeated team in the country, the No. 21 Miami (OH) RedHawks.

But the question in regard to Miami (OH) isn’t just whether they’ll beat Eastern Michigan today, but can they go undefeated? I’ll talk about some of the other great matchups scheduled today, as well as the potential for the RedHawks to make history.

(Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Plus, two of the top-five teams in the latest AP poll are in action Tuesday, and we will highlight intriguing matchups featuring No. 3 Michigan and No. 4 Iowa State.

I used odds from both DraftKings and FanDuel in crafting this list of best bets for today's NCAA basketball games.

No. 3 Michigan Wolverines vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Prediction

Minnesota should bring a little confidence into this game having won its last two games, 61-44 vs. Oregon and 80-61 vs. Rutgers. But the Golden Gophers have to know what they are in for: a date with an excellent team in its first game since getting dropped from No. 1 in the AP Poll. Michigan already has one of the nation’s top 10 offenses (89.6 points per game) and a solid defense (68.7 points per game allowed).

It will be looking to reestablish itself in the eyes of fans as the team to beat after last weekend’s loss to Duke.

• My Pick: -21.5 at -115 (DraftKings)

From a statistical perspective, Minnesota has a slightly better defense than Michigan (67.7 points per game allowed compared to 68.7). But the Golden Gophers' offense (No. 292 in the country, 70.7 points per game) will have a very hard time cracking through the Michigan defense.

The NCAA Tournament is quickly approaching, and Ballislife has championship odds plus more March Madness bets on our website.

No. 4 Iowa State Cyclones vs. Utah Utes Prediction

Iowa State has been through an emotional roller coaster in recent weeks, first with a loss to TCU (62-55) that was followed by wins over No. 9 Kansas (74-56) and No. 2 Houston (70-67). Then right when the Cyclones were at their highest, they lost to No. 23 BYU by 10, 79-69.

They could use a relatively easy game with matchups against No. 16 Texas Tech and No. 2 Arizona coming up. Iowa State should get just that when it takes on the struggling Utah Utes today. Utah has lost eight of its last nine games and is 10-17 on the season and 2-12 in Big 12 play. The Utes rank 14th and 13th in the Big 12 in offense and defense, respectively.

• My Pick: Iowa State -12.5 at -118 (DraftKings)

The struggle will almost certainly continue for them against an excellent Iowa State team.

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No. 21 Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Eastern Michigan Eagles Best Bets

Miami (OH) had some close calls a few weeks ago with two-point wins against Buffalo (Feb.3, 73-71) and Massachusetts (Jan. 27, 86-84), but has otherwise had smooth sailing. It last played Friday against Bowling Green and beat the Falcons 91-77.

Some point to the team’s soft schedule as the reason for its success, but there is no denying how well it has been playing. Heading into this game, the RedHawks have the No. 2 scoring offense in the country (92.3 points per game), the No. 1 field goal percentage (53.4%), No. 3 3-point percentage (40.3) and the No. 1 effective field goal percentage (.624).

On defense, they are mediocre on their best day. But, your defense doesn’t have to be the best when you have one of the best offenses in the country.

• My Pick: Miami (OH) -9.5 at -110 (FanDuel)

Eastern Michigan is 10-18 overall and 4-11 in MAC games. It has lost nine of its last 10 games and is coming off a 19-point loss to Toledo last weekend (94-75, Feb. 21). The Eagles' defense may be the third best in the MAC, but there is no reason to think it can contain the No. 2 scoring offense in the country.

Their offense (11th in the conference) is not good enough to take advantage of Miami (OH)’s lackluster defense.

Will Miami (OH) Go Undefeated in the Regular Season?

With what we know about the RedHawks' remaining opponents, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Toledo and Ohio, the short answer is, “Yes.” Eastern Michigan (4-11) and Western Michigan (3-11) have struggled in conference play this season. Toledo (8-6) and Ohio (9-6) are more competitive, but Miami (OH) has already beaten the Rockets by 13 (Jan. 9, 87-74) and the Bobcats by 16 (90-74, Feb. 13).

• My Pick: Yes +104 (FanDuel)

Anything can happen on any given day, of course. But, if we base the decision on what we’ve seen and know of all the teams involved, Miami (OH) will record the first undefeated regular season in MAC history and just its second undefeated conference record. Miami (OH) recorded the first in 1958.