Championship week is where sharp bettors can find value. Conference tournaments bring shorter rotations, revenge spots, and teams playing with their NCAA Tournament hopes on the line. The March 10 slate may not be massive, but it features one of the most intriguing mid-major tournament matchups on the board. Continue reading for our Tuesday CBB Best Bets March 10 column for the betting selections that we love ahead of today’s matchups.

CBB Best Bet: Idaho -1 (vs. EWU)

The Big Sky semifinal between Idaho and Eastern Washington profiles as one of the best games of the night, but the value sits with Idaho laying the short number.

Idaho enters the matchup 19–14 overall and riding serious momentum, winning its first two tournament games against Sacramento State and Montana State. The Vandals are scoring around 78.6 points per game while allowing just 72.9, giving them one of the better defensive profiles in the conference.

Even more important from a betting perspective: Idaho already swept the season series against Eastern Washington, including an 85-81 road win on March 2.

Key Idaho advantages

1. Balanced scoring

The Vandals spread production across several players:

• Kristian Gonzalez — 18.0 PPG

• Jackson Rasmussen — 14+ PPG

• Kolton Mitchell — 3.9 APG

That balance makes them difficult to scheme against.

2. Momentum

Idaho has won three straight games, including two tournament wins. Eastern Washington, meanwhile, had an eight-game win streak snapped by Idaho in their last meeting.

3. Defensive edge

Eastern Washington allows nearly 79 points per game, which is one of the worst defensive marks among Big Sky contenders.

What about Eastern Washington?

The Eagles are led by dynamic guard Isaiah Moses, who averages 18 points and over four assists per game.

He’s capable of taking over games, but Idaho has already shown it can slow down the Eagles’ offense.

Prediction

Idaho has already proven it can beat Eastern Washington, and with the tournament momentum and defensive edge, the Vandals should advance.

Score prediction: Idaho 79, Eastern Washington 74

CBB Best Bets: Idaho/EWU over 151

This is the other angle I love in this matchup.

The spread is tight, but the total is even more attractive.

Why the over makes sense

1. Both teams score at a high rate

• Idaho: 78.6 PPG

• Eastern Washington: 78.4 PPG

That’s already nearly 157 combined points before accounting for pace.

2. Defensive weaknesses

Eastern Washington allows almost 79 points per game, while Idaho gives up roughly 73 per contest.

That defensive profile strongly favors offense.

3. Previous matchup trend

The most recent meeting finished:

Idaho 85 — Eastern Washington 81 (166 total points).

Both teams shot well and played at a fast pace.

4. Tournament scoring volatility

Conference tournament games often produce higher totals because:

• Teams shorten rotations

• Foul rates increase late

• Endgame fouling inflates scores

Prediction

Expect another shootout between two teams that push tempo and rely heavily on guard scoring.

Projected total: 158 points

CBB Best Bet: Portland State -2.5 (vs. Montana)

Play: Portland State -2.5

This Big Sky semifinal matchup is another spot where the higher-seeded team has a clear edge.

Portland State enters the game 20–10 overall and 13–5 in conference play, one of the best records in the Big Sky this season. Montana is 17–15 overall and 10–8 in conference play, and they’ve been far less consistent offensively.

Why Portland State is the side

1. Offensive efficiency advantage

Portland State has been one of the more balanced offenses in the conference. Their ability to push tempo and create transition scoring opportunities has helped them consistently produce against mid-tier Big Sky defenses.

2. Montana’s inconsistency

Montana has struggled to generate reliable scoring when games slow down. Tournament games often become half-court battles late, which favors the deeper and more efficient offense.

3. Tournament momentum

Higher-seeded teams historically perform well in conference semifinals because rotations tighten and the better teams rely heavily on their top scorers.

Prediction

Montana keeps it competitive early, but Portland State’s offensive balance wins out late.

Projected score:
Portland State 75, Montana 68

CBB Best Bet: Wright State/Detroit Mercy OVER 148.5

Play: Over 148.5

The Horizon League championship game between Wright State and Detroit Mercy projects as one of the more entertaining games of the night.

Both teams have already proven they can score against each other — the regular-season meetings finished 84-82 and 77-74, both comfortably clearing typical totals.

Why the Over makes sense

1. Proven scoring matchup

Those two regular-season games averaged 158.5 total points, well above a typical Horizon League total.

2. Guard-driven offenses

Both teams rely heavily on perimeter scoring and transition offense. Guard-centric teams tend to create faster pace and more possessions.

3. Championship-game foul factor

Conference title games often include late-game fouling and extended possessions as teams try to secure the automatic NCAA Tournament bid.

Prediction

Expect another tight game where both teams trade runs and push the pace.

Projected score:
Wright State 80, Detroit Mercy 75

Tuesday CBB Best Bet March 10

1. Idaho Vandals -1
2. Idaho/Eastern Washington over 151
3. Portland State Vikings -2.5
4. Detroit Mercy/Wright State over 151.5

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