Wednesday features a full college basketball slate with several high-major schools in action on the second Wednesday of the 2026 calendar year. Can Stanford cover as slight home underdogs against #14 North Carolina? Will #1 Arizona win by 22+ points in a rivalry game against Arizona State? Read on for our Wednesday CBB Best Bets Jan. 14 article.
CBB Best Bet: Stanford +2.5 over North Carolina
I like the Cardinal here. Stanford is well-positioned to cover the 2.5-point spread as home underdogs against North Carolina on Wednesday. The Cardinal have been highly reliable in this role, boasting a 4-1 ATS record as an underdog this season. They’ve also shown great resilience, going 2-1 ATS following a loss this year. Furthermore, Stanford has thrived when the decks are stacked evenly, posting a 3-2 ATS record when playing an opponent on equal rest this season. With North Carolina facing a long cross-country trip and Stanford’s Ebuka Okorie averaging 22.1 points per game, the Cardinal have the situational edge to keep this game extremely tight or pull off the outright upset. Final score projection: STANFORD CARDINAL 76, NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS 74.
CBB Best Bet: Arizona State +21.5 over Arizona
I’m backing the Sun Devils in this one. Arizona State is in a prime position to cover the massive 21.5-point spread as road underdogs against #1 Arizona on Wednesday. The Sun Devils have proven feisty in this role, posting a 5-3 ATS record as an underdog this season. Bobby Hurley’s squad also thrives on momentum, going 7-2 ATS following a win this year. What’s more, ASU has often been well-prepared, posting a 5-4 ATS mark when playing on 2 or 3 days of rest in 2025-26. While Arizona’s offense is elite, the Sun Devils’ improved interior defense and the “rivalry factor” should keep this within the three-touchdown margin. Final score projection: ARIZONA WILDCATS 92, ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS 74.
Wednesday CBB Best Bets Jan. 14
- Stanford Cardinal +2.5
- Arizona State Sun Devils +21.5
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