College Basketball Predictions for November 12, 2026: 29 Matchup Picks

College Basketball Predictions for November 12, 2026: 29 Matchup Picks

College Basketball Predictions for November 12, 2026: 29 Matchup Picks

College Basketball Predictions for November 12, 2026: 29 Matchup Picks

College Basketball Predictions for November 12, 2026: see all 29 men’s matchup picks, what to watch in each game, and links to the full Thursday previews.

Thursday’s men’s college basketball picks

These College Basketball Predictions cover 29 games on the November 12 slate, from Kansas City vs George Mason to Bradley vs Coppin State. Each quick read gives you our straight-up pick and a matchup detail to watch. For posted markets, check YouWager.

Use these College Basketball Predictions as a starting point. Open any full preview to see the recent game logs, head-to-head context, and the case for the other side. For background, see the college basketball overview and this study of sports outcomes.

Kansas City Roos vs George Mason Patriots

Kansas City has already shown how far apart its scoring outcomes can be. Its 100 against Southern Illinois and 61 at Jacksonville are two very different tests of the same offense. George Mason can take the swing out of this game by getting defenders behind the ball and forcing Kansas City to execute after the first break is gone. If the Roos get two clean chances out of a single possession, their pace becomes a real threat. Pick: George Mason Patriots to win.

Kansas City Roos vs George Mason Patriots Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Southern Jaguars vs Minnesota Golden Gophers

Minnesota can force Southern to choose between helping early in the lane and staying attached to shooters. The Jaguars can keep the floor smaller if the first defender stays in front long enough for the help to arrive on time. Southern needs to finish the defensive possession even when Minnesota misses. A single rebound and a clean outlet can give the Jaguars a better look than running an entire set against the Gophers. Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers to win.

Southern Jaguars vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Western Michigan Broncos vs Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons

Western Michigan needs to keep Purdue Fort Wayne from turning a slow start to a possession into a quick score off a reversal. If the Mastodons get a clean catch with the defense still shifting, that is more useful than just winning the pace battle. The Broncos can pull the game back toward them by keeping the ball out of the middle on defense and getting their own guard downhill before the weak side gets set. Pick: Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons to win.

Western Michigan Broncos vs Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Canisius Golden Griffins vs Brown Bears

Brown needs to get Canisius moving on defense before shooting. When the Bears settle early, the Golden Griffins can keep their matchups intact and make the trip shorter than Brown wants. Canisius can flip that by taking away the second pass and running on long misses. Watch the first few exchanges after a corner attempt; those possessions reveal who is ready to cover the floor in transition. Pick: Brown Bears to win.

Canisius Golden Griffins vs Brown Bears Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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New Mexico State Aggies vs UTEP Miners

New Mexico State and UTEP can make this a half-court game if both sides get back early. Once that happens, the biggest question is which team can still get a good look when the defense sits on the first action. Watch the ball after the initial drive. A late pass toward the corner may be a turnover; a pass made before the help plants its feet can give the next shooter time to get set. Pick: New Mexico State Aggies to win.

New Mexico State Aggies vs UTEP Miners Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Mercer Bears vs West Virginia Mountaineers

Mercer needs to stay connected when West Virginia changes the angle of a screen. It can defend the first call correctly and still end up trailing the ball if nobody communicates the re-screen. West Virginia can use the crowd and the size of the floor to make Mercer play faster than it wants. The Bears can counter with quick outlets and by getting into a second action instead of forcing a pass that is not there. Pick: West Virginia Mountaineers to win.

Mercer Bears vs West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs High Point Panthers

High Point can test Southern Utah’s recovery speed by swinging the ball after a paint touch. The Thunderbirds can stay in the game if their help arrives in time to stop the drive but leaves a short enough recovery to contest outside. If High Point gets stuck taking contested jumpers with no second chance, Southern Utah can turn a difficult defensive trip into an opening at the other end. Pick: High Point Panthers to win.

Southern Utah Thunderbirds vs High Point Panthers Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Niagara Purple Eagles vs Bowling Green Falcons

Bowling Green can make Niagara uncomfortable by forcing its guards to work back toward the ball. A clean trap is less important than taking away the easy pass that would let Niagara leave pressure behind. The Purple Eagles can make that approach costly by putting a reliable receiver in the middle. If they get through the first line cleanly, the Falcons have to recover without fouling or giving away a straight-line drive. Pick: Bowling Green Falcons to win.

Niagara Purple Eagles vs Bowling Green Falcons Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks vs Rhode Island Rams

Rhode Island can make this difficult for Maryland Eastern Shore by keeping the Hawks from getting the ball in the middle. That would shrink the available passing angles and leave less time to find a good shot. The Hawks have a better chance if their guards get an early touch inside the arc and force Rhode Island to turn its shoulders. Pick: Rhode Island Rams to win.

Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks vs Rhode Island Rams Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Richmond Spiders vs Southern Illinois Salukis

Richmond has a path if it makes Southern Illinois defend cuts behind the ball. The Salukis can take that away by communicating switches early and forcing the Spiders to stay outside the lane. At the other end, Southern Illinois needs to make Richmond defend two actions on one trip. A quick first look is fine when it is clean, but a rushed attempt gives Richmond too much control over the next exchange. Pick: Southern Illinois Salukis to win.

Richmond Spiders vs Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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UC Riverside Highlanders vs San José State Spartans

UC Riverside can put San José State under pressure if its guards keep attacking after the first help defender shows. San José State can reverse the matchup by keeping the ball outside the paint and earning possessions off clean rebounds. Watch the second half of each possession. A team that has room to attack again after the first action stalls has a much better chance of controlling a close finish. Pick: San José State Spartans to win.

UC Riverside Highlanders vs San José State Spartans Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Virginia Lynchburg Dragons vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Coastal Carolina can use the width of the court to stretch Virginia Lynchburg’s help. The Dragons need to keep the first defender in front, because a late collapse can leave both the rim and a corner shooter exposed. Watch how Coastal responds to a packed lane. The Chanticleers can settle this with simple passes and offensive rebounds, but rushed shots would give the Dragons more trips than they need. Pick: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers to win.

Virginia Lynchburg Dragons vs Coastal Carolina Chanticleers Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Mercyhurst Lakers vs Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State can stress Mercyhurst by changing sides quickly once the Lakers send help toward the ball. A pass ahead of the rotation creates a better look than another drive straight into the same crowd. Mercyhurst can keep this manageable by using the clock with purpose. Long possessions only help if the Lakers get a real attempt at the end and are balanced enough to defend the rebound. Pick: Mercyhurst Lakers to win.

Mercyhurst Lakers vs Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Loyola Maryland Greyhounds vs Towson Tigers

Towson can make the matchup uncomfortable by making Loyola Maryland earn rebounds through contact. Even a good opening possession is hard to turn into a lead if the Tigers keep getting the ball back after a miss. The Greyhounds can lower that pressure by boxing out before chasing the ball and taking early offense only when it is clear. Pick: Towson Tigers to win.

Loyola Maryland Greyhounds vs Towson Tigers Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Montana State Bobcats vs BYU Cougars

BYU can make Montana State cover a lot of ground if the Cougars make the defense react to the drive before the ball goes out. The Bobcats can answer by keeping their closeouts short and leaving the pass outside rather than allowing a free run to the rim. Watch how Montana State handles the rebound after a long shot. Pick: BYU Cougars to win.

Montana State Bobcats vs BYU Cougars Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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A straight-up pick answers who we expect to win. If you’re looking at a spread or total, check the posted number and terms at YouWager before making a decision.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Texas A&M Aggies

Oklahoma State and Texas A&M have a game that can swing on possessions after a miss. The important matchup is between the players chasing the rebound and the guards who decide whether to run or protect against the counterattack. Watch whether either side keeps finding a second shot without leaving its backcourt exposed. That is a steadier advantage than a short run of made threes, particularly if the teams trade runs early. Pick: Texas A&M Aggies to win.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs Texas A&M Aggies Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Morgan State Bears vs UMBC Retrievers

UMBC needs to avoid giving Morgan State an easy exchange: a contested shot at one end and a fast layup at the other. The Bears have a way in if they can attack the space behind the first defender before UMBC has time to bring help. Look at whether the Retrievers can keep a second ball handler involved. Pick: UMBC Retrievers to win.

Morgan State Bears vs UMBC Retrievers Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles vs Indiana Hoosiers

Indiana has a cleaner path if Tennessee Tech must defend the post without committing two players early. As soon as the Golden Eagles bring a second body, Indiana can test how quickly they can recover to the perimeter. For Tennessee Tech, the better bet is to make the Hoosiers execute multiple actions rather than give them a mismatch on the first switch. Pick: Indiana Hoosiers to win.

Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles vs Indiana Hoosiers Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Loyola Marymount Lions vs South Alabama Jaguars

Loyola Marymount can make South Alabama defend in space by moving the ball before the Jaguars lock in on the first action. South Alabama can turn that around if it keeps the drive on one side and gets a rebound without needing help from a corner defender. Watch where the kickout lands. A pass straight across the defense can create a real advantage; a short retreat pass just gives South Alabama time to reset. Pick: South Alabama Jaguars to win.

Loyola Marymount Lions vs South Alabama Jaguars Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Monmouth Hawks vs Quinnipiac Bobcats

Monmouth needs to disrupt Quinnipiac’s second effort around the basket. The first contest does not do much good if the Bobcats can tip the ball back to a guard and begin a new possession against a tired defense. If Monmouth can clear the glass without sending everyone back to rebound, it can create chances before Quinnipiac sets its matchups. Pick: Quinnipiac Bobcats to win.

Monmouth Hawks vs Quinnipiac Bobcats Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Johnson & Wales Wildcats vs Boston University Terriers

Boston University can simplify this one by finishing possessions on the glass. Johnson & Wales needs to make the Terriers play against a set defense and turn long rebounds into chances before Boston can recover. The Wildcats’ most useful stretch would be several trips without a live-ball turnover. That would let them make Boston score in the half court and keep a cold shooting spell from immediately turning into a big deficit. Pick: Boston University Terriers to win.

Johnson & Wales Wildcats vs Boston University Terriers Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Grace University Talons vs Cal State Northridge Matadors

Cal State Northridge can build a margin by making Grace defend the second side of the floor. The Talons can slow that process by stopping the first drive without pulling every weak-side defender toward the ball. The Matadors should be judged on how they get those points. Repeated shots near the rim show control; a handful of tough makes from outside would leave more room for the game to tighten. Pick: Cal State Northridge Matadors to win.

Grace University Talons vs Cal State Northridge Matadors Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners vs Western Illinois Leathernecks

Bakersfield and Western Illinois can make this about how well the bigs defend away from the basket. If either side pulls the opposing rim protector into a high screen and gets the ball behind him, the weak side has a difficult job. Watch whether the helper moves before the pass is made. A defense that stays home until the ball is already rolling toward the rim will concede a cleaner look than it intended. Pick: Western Illinois Leathernecks to win.

Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners vs Western Illinois Leathernecks Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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West Florida Argonauts vs Alabama A&M Bulldogs

Alabama A&M can keep West Florida from getting comfortable by staying balanced after its own misses. The Argonauts have a better route if they get opportunities before the Bulldogs can set their interior defense. Look for whether Alabama A&M gets enough touches near the basket without telegraphing the entry. The home side can put pressure on West Florida without turning the game into a string of risky passes. Pick: Alabama A&M Bulldogs to win.

West Florida Argonauts vs Alabama A&M Bulldogs Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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LaGrange Panthers vs Kennesaw State Owls

Kennesaw State can give LaGrange a difficult choice by attacking the first gap with a second scorer already spaced for the kickout. If the Panthers help too early, the Owls can see the next pass before the trap arrives. LaGrange’s route is to keep the ball in front and force one more dribble without sending help from a shooter. Pick: Kennesaw State Owls to win.

LaGrange Panthers vs Kennesaw State Owls Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Stetson Hatters vs Howard Bison

Howard can put Stetson under pressure by making the Hatters cover a drive and a cut on the same trip. The hard part for Stetson is deciding who leaves a shooter to stop the ball. Stetson can change the shape of the game if its guards get downhill first and put Howard in rotation. Look for the side that consistently turns the first paint touch into a clean second look. Pick: Howard Bison to win.

Stetson Hatters vs Howard Bison Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Sacred Heart Pioneers

Central Connecticut and Sacred Heart can both make this game tighter by staying out of scramble situations. The decisive play may be the second pass after a screen, when a defense that handled the first action still has to recover to the far side. Watch how the lead guards handle pressure near the sideline. Getting the ball back toward the middle leaves room for the next action; picking up the dribble there can end a trip before it develops. Pick: Central Connecticut Blue Devils to win.

Central Connecticut Blue Devils vs Sacred Heart Pioneers Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Lincoln (CA) Oaklanders vs Cal State Fullerton Titans

Cal State Fullerton can make the game simpler by getting the ball inside without throwing into a crowd. Lincoln can stay close if its help arrives early enough to force the Titans to reverse the ball and start again. The biggest opening for Lincoln comes when Fullerton takes a difficult shot with nobody protecting against the break. Pick: Cal State Fullerton Titans to win.

Lincoln (CA) Oaklanders vs Cal State Fullerton Titans Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Bradley Braves vs Coppin State Eagles

Bradley should try to make the first advantage come inside the arc. If Coppin State can crowd the lane without leaving the corners, it can turn this into a jump-shooting contest and keep Bradley from building a steady margin. Watch what Bradley does when Coppin State denies the first reversal. The Braves can keep the edge by changing the angle of attack; a forced skip pass would give the Eagles their best chance to run. Pick: Bradley Braves to win.

Bradley Braves vs Coppin State Eagles Betting Prediction, College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026

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Final word on Thursday’s slate

Use the individual previews to see what could swing each matchup. A team can be the likelier winner and still be a pass at the available price. Check the latest market at YouWager before tipoff.

College Basketball Predictions, November 12, 2026