Saturday CBB Best Bets Feb. 21: Can Duke cover the game of the year in D.C.?

Saturday features a huge college basketball slate with several mid-major teams and a boatload of high-major schools taking the floor on the 21st day of February 2026. Will #4 Arizona cover at the Fertitta Center against #2 Houston in a Big 12 clash on Saturday afternoon? Can #3 Duke cover a tough game against #1 Michigan as small neutral-site underdogs? Read on for our Saturday CBB Best Bets Feb. 21 article.

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CBB Best Bet: Arizona +5 over Houston

I like the Wildcats here. Despite the hostile environment at the Fertitta Center, Arizona is primed to cover the 5-point spread against Houston on Saturday. The Wildcats have been remarkably reliable when counted out, boasting a perfect 3-0 ATS record as an underdog this season.

Their resilience away from home is further evidenced by a 4-3 ATS road record, proving they can handle high-pressure atmospheres. The Wildcats’ 7-6 ATS conference mark shows some consistency in Big 12 play this year. To that end, Arizona’s elite defensive efficiency and solid rebounding should keep this a one-possession game. Expect a gritty, low-scoring battle that comes down to the final minute. Final score projection: HOUSTON COUGARS 74, ARIZONA WILDCATS 72.

CBB Best Bet: Duke +2.5 over Michigan

I’m backing the Blue Devils in this one. Duke is primed to cover the 2.5-point spread in this high-stakes neutral-site clash. Their consistency is evident due to a 13-10 ATS record after a win, and they have proven reliable outside of ACC play with a 7-5 ATS mark in non-conference games this season.

Most importantly, the Blue Devils have thrived away from home, posting an 8-5 ATS record in road and neutral-site contests this year. History also favors Duke, as they are 5-1 straight up and 4-2 ATS in their last six meetings against Michigan. Expect Duke’s backcourt depth to keep this game tight until the final buzzer. Final score projection: DUKE BLUE DEVILS 78, MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 77.