Saturday CBB Best Bets Jan. 24: Can Texas Tech earn a big home win?

Saturday features a full college basketball slate with several mid-major and high-major schools taking the floor on the fourth Saturday of January 2026. Can #12 Texas Tech cover a tough game against #6 Houston as small home underdogs? Will a talented #11 Illinois team hang tough with #4 Purdue in a conference clash on Saturday afternoon? Read on for our Saturday CBB Best Bets Jan. 24 article.

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CBB Best Bet: Houston -1.5 over Texas Tech

I like the Cougars here. Houston is in a good spot to cover the 1.5-point spread against Texas Tech because of their consistent execution in high-stakes scenarios. Boasting a solid 10-8 ATS record as favorites and a sharp 10-6 ATS mark following a win, the Cougars have proven they can maintain momentum. Their dominance is especially evident in league play, where they are 4-1 ATS in conference games this year. Historically, Houston has owned this matchup, going 6-1 straight up and 5-2 ATS in their last seven meetings with Texas Tech. Expect Houston’s defensive grit to stifle the Red Raiders late. Final score projection: HOUSTON COUGARS 74, TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS 71.

CBB Best Bet: Illinois +5.5 over Purdue

I’m backing the Fighting Illini in this game. Illinois is primed to cover the 5.5-point spread due to their elite offensive efficiency. The Illini have been sharp in Big Ten play with a 5-3 ATS conference record and a strong 3-1 ATS mark as the road team this season. Their ability to stack good performances is evident in their 8-7 ATS record after a win, and they have historically held their own in this rivalry, going 3-1 ATS in their last four games against Purdue. Expect a high-scoring battle between the nation’s top two offenses that stays within a single possession. Final score projection: ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI 84, PURDUE BOILERMAKERS 81.