Sunday features a light college basketball slate with several mid-major programs in action on the first Sunday of the 2026 calendar year. Can Robert Morris cover on the road in Oakland? Will St. Mary’s defeat Seattle U by more than 10 points at home? Read on for our Sunday CBB Best Bets Jan. 4 article.
CBB Best Bet: Robert Morris +4.5 over Oakland
I like the Colonials here. Robert Morris is poised to cover the 4.5-point spread against Oakland due to a stingy defensive unit that limits opponents to 74.4 points per game. The Colonials are statistically built for this scenario, entering Sunday 3-1 ATS on one day of rest and 5-1 ATS when playing with the rest disadvantage this season. Their 5-3 ATS record in road games and 3-1-1 ATS conference mark further highlight their reliability as away underdogs. Against an Oakland defense that’s surrendering 86.9 points per game, expect the Colonials’ efficient scoring to keep this game within a single possession. Final score projection: OAKLAND 83, ROBERT MORRIS 81.
CBB Best Bet: Seattle U +10.5 over St. Mary’s
I’m backing the Redhawks in this game. Seattle U is well-positioned to cover the 10.5-point spread against Saint Mary’s because of a defense that ranks 58th nationally, allowing just 68.9 points per game. The Redhawks have proven resilient in this specific situation, boasting a 3-0 ATS record as an underdog and a perfect 2-0 ATS mark following a loss this year. Additionally, their 2-0 ATS record when playing on one day of rest this season suggests they can maintain high intensity despite the quick turnaround. Behind an offense shooting 45.4% from the field, Seattle U possesses the efficiency needed to keep this low-tempo battle within single digits. Final score projection: ST. MARY’S 71, SEATTLE U 64.
Sunday CBB Best Bets Jan. 4
- Robert Morris Colonials +4.5
- Seattle U Redhawks +10.5