Friday CBB Best Bets Jan. 23: Will Ohio State avoid a blowout against Michigan?

Friday features a light college basketball slate with several mid-major schools and a few high-major schools taking the floor on the fourth Friday of January 2026. Can Michigan cover a rivalry game against Ohio State as big home favorites? Will scrappy Marquette hang tough with Butler in a conference clash on Friday? Read on for our Friday CBB Best Bets Jan. 23 article.

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CBB Best Bet: Ohio State +15.5 over Michigan

I like the Buckeyes here. Ohio State is poised to cover the 15.5-point spread as road underdogs. They should be able to capitalize on Michigan’s recent inability to outpace betting expectations. While the Wolverines are 17-1 straight up in 2025-26, they have failed to cover in their last five games (0-5 ATS). Meanwhile, the Buckeyes have been undervalued, going 3-1 ATS in their last four contests. Led by Bruce Thornton’s scoring, Ohio State’s top-five Big Ten offense should stay competitive enough at the Crisler Center to prevent a 16+ point rout, especially as Michigan’s defense has shown occasional vulnerability in high-paced matchups. Final score projection: MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 88, OHIO STATE BUCKEYES 76.

CBB Best Bet: Butler -7.5 over Marquette

I’m backing the Bulldogs in this game. Butler is well-positioned to cover the 7.5-point spread as home favorites because of their efficiency at Hinkle Fieldhouse and Marquette’s ongoing road struggles. The Bulldogs have found their rhythm lately, going 2-0 ATS in their last two games and maintaining a sharp 7-4 ATS record following a victory this year. Conversely, Marquette has been a poor bet away from home, posting a 1-5 ATS record as the road team and a dismal 2-7 ATS mark in Big East play this year. With Michael Ajayi’s rebounding dominance and Finley Bizjack’s scoring, Butler’s offense should exploit a Golden Eagles defense that is just 2-6-1 ATS as an underdog this season. Final score projection: BUTLER BULLDOGS 84, MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES 73.