Friday CBB Best Bets March 13: Can Iowa State avenge their loss to Arizona?

Friday features a loaded college basketball slate with several mid-major teams and a bunch of high-major schools taking the floor on the 13th day of March 2026. It’s conference championship week, which means teams will be punching their tickets to the Big Dance.

Will #2 Arizona beat #7 Iowa State by 5 points or more at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City? Can #5 Houston win and cover against #14 Kansas in the semifinal round of the Big 12 Tournament? Read on for our Friday CBB Best Bets March 13 article.

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CBB Best Bet: Iowa State +4.5 over Arizona

I like the Cyclones here. Iowa State is primed to cover the 4.5-point spread against Arizona by dictating a grueling, half-court tempo that should neutralize the Wildcats’ transition offense. The Cyclones thrive in these tournament spots, boasting a stellar 5-1 record in neutral-site games and a profitable 12-8 ATS mark in conference games this season.

Furthermore, Iowa State’s disciplined defense excels when on equal footing, as they are 9-5 ATS when playing an opponent on equal rest this season. Riding the momentum of a recent victory, Iowa State’s 14-11-1 ATS record after a win signals their ability to execute consistently. Expect a gritty rock fight that the Cyclones will have a real shot at winning outright.

Final score projection: IOWA STATE CYCLONES 71, ARIZONA WILDCATS 70.

CBB Best Bet: Kansas +5.5 over Houston

I’m taking the Jayhawks in this one. Kansas is in a good spot to cover the 5.5-point spread as neutral-site underdogs against Houston. The Jayhawks will likely lean on their veteran poise to break the Cougars’ relentless defensive pressure.

Kansas has thrived in these balanced, high-stakes environments, boasting a dominant 12-4 ATS record when playing an opponent on equal rest and a solid 6-4 ATS mark when facing ranked opponents this season.

The Jayhawks’ tournament readiness is evident in their 5-1 ATS record in neutral-site games in 2025-26. Carrying momentum from a recent victory, Kansas is also 12-10 ATS after a win this year. Expect a tightly contested Big 12 heavyweight clash.

Final score projection: HOUSTON COUGARS 68, KANSAS JAYHAWKS 65.