Wednesday CBB Best Bets Dec. 31: Can UConn cover double-digits on the road?

Wednesday features several ranked teams in action as they begin conference play on the final day of the 2025 calendar year. Can Clemson defeat Syracuse on the road? Can UConn cover on the road against Xavier in Cincinnati? Read on for our Wednesday CBB Best Bets Dec. 31 article.

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CBB Best Bet: Clemson -1.5 over Syracuse

I like the Tigers on New Year’s Eve. Clemson is primed to cover the 1.5-point spread at the JMA Wireless Dome because of a defense that ranks 24th nationally, allowing just 65.8 points per game. The Tigers enter Wednesday with a significant preparation advantage, as they are 4-1 ATS when playing on 4+ days of rest this season. Furthermore, Clemson’s historical dominance over Syracuse is clear, holding a 7-3 straight-up record in their last 10 games against the Orange. Backed by their superior 73.9% free-throw shooting compared to Syracuse’s struggling 59%, Clemson’s offensive efficiency should be enough to secure the road victory by a basket or more. Final score projection: CLEMSON 72, SYRACUSE 69.

CBB Best Bet: Xavier +11.5 over UConn

I’m backing the Musketeers in this one. Xavier is well-positioned to cover the 11.5-point spread at the Cintas Center because they’ve been battle-tested this season. The Musketeers’ 2025 opponents have an average adjusted defensive efficiency that ranks 56th in the country this year. Additionally, Xavier has proven to be a reliable bet in this role, posting a 4-1 ATS record as an underdog this season and an impressive 7-2 ATS mark over their last nine games overall. With a home-court advantage where they have already secured seven wins this year, Xavier’s perimeter efficiency should prevent UConn from pulling away and winning this game by a dozen or more. Final score projection: UCONN 82, XAVIER 75.