College Hoops Tip Off: NCAA Basketball Expert Picks and Predictions (11/2)
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Mon Nov 02, 2026, 9:57 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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College Hoops officially kicked off yesterday, as Notre Dame took down Villanova in Rome in front of the Pope. But all night long, we have had small universities battling in the Field of 68 tip off. All of this leads up to a massive Monday NCAA Basketball slate, so our experts dove into the games and found some of their favorite picks. Check them out below to see if you will tail or fade their selections.
NCAA Basketball Expert Picks – November 2
#14 Miami vs. #1 Florida NCAA Basketball Picks
Thomas Haugh and the Gators take on Miami in Tampa tonight to start their CBB season
Best Bets: Florida -5.5 (-110) BetOnline
The Gators are without a doubt the most complete team in college hoops. Sure, Miami is going to be a very strong squad, but Florida is the team to beat. They are returning four of five starters, including six of their top seven scorers from last season, including the best frontcourt in the entire country.
Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, and Reuben Chinyelu are all national champions who are hungry to get back to the top of the sport. Look for them to leave no doubt tonight in Tampa in this Sunshine State tip off.
Oakland vs. #16 Michigan NCAA Basketball Picks
Elliot Cadeau still leads the Wolverines offense who are looking to get back to the National Championship
Best Bets: Michigan -26.5 (-110) BetOnline
Don't be afraid of laying this large number with the Wolverines. Despite Dusty May leaving his National Champion roster, Michigan will still be a great squad. They play fast, score plenty, and are a defensive nightmare for most teams. Oakland won't stand a chance, but historically, the Grizzlies will get out and run with their competition.
We have a total that is approaching the 160 mark, meaning there should be plenty of pace, and tons of opportunities for the hosts to cover this number. The Wolverines have plenty to prove, and I think they come out with a statement win over Oakland tonight.
Monmouth vs. #13 St. John's NCAA Basketball Picks
Best Bets: St. John's -27.5 (-110) BetOnline
This is a very similar bet to the Michigan one above. St. John's is simply the much better team, that likes to play fast and outscore their opponent by as many as possible. Rick Pitino is not going to take it easy, just because he is facing Monmouth. The Johnnies have plenty to prove this year, as they were one of the best in the Big East last season.
This year, they are certainly vying for that top spot in the league, and I think they know they are capable of being one of the best in the country. They will show that tonight at Carnesecca Arena in Queens.
Chattanooga vs. #11 Louisville NCAA Basketball Picks
Pay Kelsey and Louisville face Chattanooga at the KFC Yum! Center tonight
Best Bets: Louisville -29.5 (-112) BetOnline
One more big spread that we don't need to be concerned about. What do all of these games have in common? Michigan, St. John's and Louisville? They all are top 20 teams facing a low major team at home. All three are favored by at least 25 points, with a total north of 153.
Louisville runs faster than any team in the country, they shoot a ton of threes, and they have multiple scoring options on all three levels of the court. Pat Kelsey, like the other two teams, has plenty to prove. They can start with a dominant win at home against a team that will feel very easy following their exhibitions. Give me the Cardinals to win by 40 tonight at home.
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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