Thursday features a loaded college basketball slate with several mid-major teams and a slew of high-major schools taking the floor on the 12th day of March 2026. It’s conference championship week, which means teams will be punching their tickets to the Big Dance.
Will Arizona beat UCF by 17 points or more at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City? Can Grand Canyon win and cover against Nevada in Las Vegas in the quarterfinal round of the Mountain West Tournament? Read on for our Thursday CBB Best Bets March 12 article.
CBB Best Bet: UCF +16.5 over Arizona
I like the Knights here. UCF is well-equipped to cover the 16.5-point spread as neutral-site underdogs against Arizona on Thursday afternoon. The Knights historically step up in the postseason, boasting a 5-2 ATS record in conference tournament games since the start of the 2022 season.
They are a gritty team catching a massive number, backed by a strong 10-6 ATS mark as underdogs this year. Furthermore, UCF is 2-0 ATS in their last two meetings with Arizona and 4-3 ATS over their last seven games overall. Expect the Knights to muddy up the pace and keep the margin respectable.
Final score projection: ARIZONA WILDCATS 76, UCF KNIGHTS 64.
CBB Best Bet: Grand Canyon -2.5 over Nevada
I’m taking the Lopes in this one. Grand Canyon is primed to cover the 2.5-point spread as neutral-site favorites against Nevada on Thursday evening. The Lopes have consistently thrived in the postseason, holding a stellar 8-1 ATS record in conference tournament games since the start of the 2022 campaign.
Their strong form has been evident throughout the year, going 13-7 ATS in conference matchups, and they’re currently riding a hot streak at 6-1 ATS over their last seven games overall. While they are a more modest 10-9 ATS as favorites this season, their recent momentum makes them a reliable pick to handle business against the Wolf Pack on Thursday.
Final score projection: GRAND CANYON LOPES 74, NEVADA WOLF PACK 68.
Thursday CBB Best Bets March 12
- UCF Knights +16.5
- Grand Canyon Lopes -2.5
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