Thursday CBB Best Bets Jan. 15: Can Gonzaga win big against Wazzu?

Thursday features a light college basketball slate with several mid-major schools in action on this Thursday in mid-January. Can Washington State cover as big home underdogs against #9 Gonzaga? Will plucky Portland State win by 4+ points in a conference clash with Northern Colorado? Read on for our Thursday CBB Best Bets Jan. 15 article.

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CBB Best Bet: Washington State +18.5 over Gonzaga

I like the Cougars here. Washington State should cover the 18.5-point spread as home underdogs because of their defensive grit at Beasley Coliseum. This season, Washington State has shown notable resilience in high-stakes matchups, posting a 3-2 ATS record in conference games and a solid 5-4 ATS mark following a loss. Historically, the Cougars have been a thorn in the Bulldogs’ side for bettors, maintaining an impressive 7-2-1 ATS record in their last 10 games against Gonzaga. With a raucous home crowd behind them, the Cougars should keep this within the large number. Final score projection: GONZAGA BULLDOGS 84, WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS 70.

CBB Best Bet: Portland State -3.5 over Northern Colorado

I’m backing Portland State in this one. The Vikings are strong candidates to cover the 3.5-point spread as home favorites by continuing their dominant run at the Viking Pavilion on Thursday. Portland State has been the nation’s premier betting team this season, boasting a phenomenal 10-1 ATS overall record in 2025-26. Their efficiency extends to their role as frontrunners, where they are 5-1 ATS as a favorite, and they remain a perfect 3-0 ATS in conference play this season. Furthermore, the Vikings have historically handled the Bears with ease, going 3-0 ATS in their last three matchups against Northern Colorado. Behind Jaylin Henderson’s scoring, Portland State should secure a multi-possession victory. Final score projection: PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS 84, NORTHERN COLORADO BEARS 76.