NCAA Basketball Best Bets (Jan. 24): Top Parlay Picks For Today's Games

Saturdays have been all about college football for the last few months, but now it’s basketball’s turn. To give bettors a helping hand, we’ve identified a few games as our college basketball best bets of the day for Jan. 24, which we have packaged into a couple of parlay picks for your betting pleasure.

I am not going to tell you these are locks (because there is no such thing, no matter what anyone tried to tell you). But I will say, these college basketball picks have been well researched and analyzed.

(Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

You can see all the odds use for my college basketball parlay picks at Caesars and bet365.

On the hunt for other NCAA basketball and sports betting promotions? We have compiled a list of the best sports betting offers here. 

Now, about those parlay picks.

College Basketball Parlay Pick No. 1 for Jan. 24

• Houston-Texas Tech, UNDER 140.5 at -110

Yes, Texas Tech is undefeated at home, but Houston has the No. 2 defense in the country and beat the Red Raiders in Houston, 69-65, on January 6. But it was a close game, so if one of two possessions goes Texas Tech’s way this time ... anything is possible. Regardless of who wins, the final score will be low.

• Purdue -5.5 at -110 (vs. Illinois)

Illinois ranks No. 1 in the county in offensive efficiency, Purdue No. 2. However, the Illini offense took a hit recently, though, with guard Kylan Boswell out with a fractured hand. But even with him, it would be an uphill battle for the Illini against Purdue’s talent and depth.

Offensive stats could be misleading in Auburn vs. Florida matchup

• Auburn-Florida, UNDER 163.5 -110

Both teams average 80+ points per game, and the Tigers' defense is suspect on its best days. While that may point towards the over, with the over being just 4-9 for the Gators at home, I’m taking the under.

• Parlay Odds: +596 (odds via Caesars)

A $100 wager will result in a $696 payday, your stake plus $596 in winnings.

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College Basketball Parlay Pick No. 2 for Jan. 24

• Tennessee-Alabama, OVER 167.5 at -110

Alabama scores 90+ points per game but has one of the worst defenses in the country, allowing an average of 82.6 points. Tennessee averages 80+ points per game and should have no trouble hitting that mark against this Alabama defense. The Vols' defense may slow down the Alabama offensive machine early on, but the Tide offense will do its part to send the final over.

• Kansas -4.5 at -110 (vs. Kansas State)

The Jayhawks will get a nice emotional boost with head coach Bill Self back on the sideline after missing a game for health reasons. However, Kansas has struggled in recent games against K-State in Manhattan, losing the last three. But Kansas State has struggled to finish games, which will give the Jayhawks the opening they need to pull ahead by five and cover the spread.

Watch the shorthanded Zags in Saturday's matchup

• Gonzaga -17.5 at -105 (San Francisco)

The Bulldogs have been playing without two of their best players, Braden Huff and Graham Ike, but have been winning games anyway, beating Pepperdine by 24 and Seattle University by 21. Gonzaga has won 13 in a row, so it is certainly bringing momentum into the matchup. San Francisco has some talent. But not enough to deal with the Bulldogs' offensive efficiency, depth, and home court advantage.

Plus, the Bulldogs have won 33 in a row vs. the Dons. There is no reason to think they will not make it 34 in a row or cover.

• SGP Odds: +611 (odds via bet365)

A $100 wager will result in a $711 payday, your stake plus $611 in winnings.