Last Updated on April 3, 2026 11:13 pm by Alex Becker
Thursday features a light college basketball slate with 5 high-major schools and 3 mid-major programs taking the floor on the 2nd day of April 2026.
It’s the quarterfinal round of the College Basketball Crown (CBC) and the semifinal round of the NIT. The quarterfinal round of the CBC will be broadcast on FS1, while the NIT semifinals will be on ESPN.
Will New Mexico defeat Tulsa by 4 points or more at Hinkle Fieldhouse in the NIT semis? Can Auburn win and cover against Illinois State in Indianapolis in the NIT late game on Thursday night? Read on for our Thursday CBB Best Bets April 2 article.
CBB Best Bet: Tulsa +3.5 over New Mexico
I like the Golden Hurricane in this game. Tulsa is primed to cover the 3.5-point spread against New Mexico on Thursday because they consistently thrive in this exact spot. Riding a massive wave of momentum, the Golden Hurricane are an impressive 9-1 straight up in their last 10 games.
Tulsa also has some highly profitable situational trends on their side, going 4-2 ATS as an underdog, 4-2 ATS in neutral-site games, 8-4-1 ATS in non-conference matchups, and 10-7 ATS when playing an opponent on equal rest this season. Their top-40 offense and comfort playing with a chip on their shoulder will keep this game tight throughout.
Final score projection: TULSA GOLDEN HURRICANE 86, NEW MEXICO LOBOS 84.
CBB Best Bet: Illinois State +6.5 over Auburn
I’m taking the Redbirds in this contest. Illinois State is perfectly positioned to cover the 6.5-point spread as neutral-site underdogs against Auburn on Thursday. The Redbirds have thrived in spots like these all year. They’ve displayed highly profitable trends like going 13-7 ATS when playing an opponent on equal rest and possess a stellar 9-4 ATS record in non-conference games this season.
Illinois State is extremely comfortable when playing a superior opponent, sitting at 7-5 ATS as an underdog in 2025-26. The Redbirds also hold a solid 3-2 ATS mark in neutral-site matchups this year. Expect Illinois State’s gritty, top-65 defense to keep this game fiercely competitive until the final buzzer.
Final score projection: AUBURN TIGERS 73, ILLINOIS STATE REDBIRDS 70.
Thursday CBB Best Bets April 2
- Tulsa Golden Hurricane +3.5
- Illinois State Redbirds +6.5
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