Friday features a light college basketball slate with a handful of high-major schools in action on this Friday in mid-January. Can Providence cover as small home underdogs against Creighton? Will upstart DePaul win by 4+ points in a conference clash with Marquette? Read on for our Friday CBB Best Bets Jan. 16 article.
CBB Best Bet: Creighton -1.5 over Providence
I like the Bluejays here. Creighton is well-positioned to cover the 1.5-point spread as road favorites because of their efficiency in specific travel and rest scenarios. The Bluejays have proven to be steady away from home, posting a 3-2 ATS record as the road team this season. Their performance remains sharp with proper recovery, evidenced by a 4-2 ATS mark on 2 or 3 days of rest, and they maintain a solid 5-3 ATS record when facing an opponent on equal rest this year. Expect Creighton’s execution to hold steady in a hostile environment, securing the outright win and road cover. Final score projection: CREIGHTON BLUEJAYS 76, PROVIDENCE FRIARS 70.
CBB Best Bet: DePaul -3.5 over Marquette
I’m backing the Blue Demons in this one. DePaul is in a good spot to cover the 3.5-point spread as home favorites against Marquette due to their good situational track record this season. The Blue Demons have been remarkably efficient when better rested, boasting a 3-1-1 ATS record with a rest advantage in 2025-26. Their comfort at Wintrust Arena is reflected in a solid 6-4-1 ATS home mark, and they have consistently met expectations as the betting choice, going 6-3-1 ATS as favorites this season. With Marquette struggling on the road (0-5 straight up and 1-4 ATS), look for DePaul’s defensive discipline and home-court energy to clinch a comfortable multi-possession win. Final score projection: DEPAUL BLUE DEMONS 82, MARQUETTE GOLDEN EAGLES 74.
Friday CBB Best Bets Jan. 16
- Creighton Bluejays -1.5
- DePaul Blue Demons -3.5
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