Best College Basketball Picks and Player Props, February 17, 2026

As the regular season enters its final month, some teams are playing their best basketball, and some look beaten down from the long season.

Michigan State appears to fall into the latter category. The Spartans had no problem getting up for a game with Illinois, another top team in the Big Ten. But against Wisconsin, seen as one step below, Michigan State looked listless. The Badgers blew the Spartans out, winning by 21 for Michigan State’s third loss in four games.

When a team starts to show something is off, it’s important to jump on the trend before the books adjust. Right now, the NCAA lines are dealing with months of evidence suggesting Michigan State is an elite team. If that’s no longer the case, there’s lots of opportunity to go the other way.

Here are the best college basketball picks and player props for February 17.

Best NCAAB Parlay Picks

UCLA (+9, -110, via Caesars Sportsbook) vs. Michigan State

UCLA had absolutely no chance against Michigan last time out. But prior to that 30-point loss, the Bruins were playing solid basketball. UCLA had won five of six before that game, and the exception was a one-point loss to Indiana.

Michigan State is just 1-4 ATS in its past five games. The Spartans’ defense isn’t playing well, allowing 76 points or more in five consecutive games. Against UCLA, which plays at a slow, grinding tempo, every defensive mistake is magnified.

This line appears to be a few points too high. Michigan State should be able to win, but UCLA has the ability to keep this game tight to the final minutes.

North Carolina vs. NC State (-6.5, -110, via FanDuel)

Without Caleb Wilson, North Carolina is not the same team. NC State isn’t going to care. The Wolfpack have a chance to seal their spot in the NCAA tournament and kick its biggest rival while it’s down.

NC State comes in with plenty of motivation after losing its past two games to Louisville and Miami. The Wolfpack play at a fast tempo, and that’s never good for a team as injury-plagued as North Carolina. Throw in that the Tar Heels are on the road, and this looks pretty problematic from their perspective. State has a golden opportunity and is likely to take it.

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Miami-Ohio vs. Massachusetts (O161.5, -110, via BetMGM)

The value isn’t there on Miami-Ohio taking its first loss, because most people are expecting it might happen here. But the total represents opportunity. Massachusetts isn’t playing defense worth anything at the moment. The Minutemen have allowed four of their past five opponents to score at least 86 points, and they just gave up 99 to Akron in regulation.

Miami-Ohio is used to putting up big offensive numbers. The RedHawks have played 13 MAC games and scored 85 points or more 11 times. If Massachusetts does anything close to its normal output on offense, this game should have little trouble meeting this high total.

NCAAB Parlay Pick: UCLA +9/NC State -6.5/Miami-Ohio vs. Massachusetts Over 161.5 (+596)

Best College Basketball Prop Picks

Pryce Sandfort, Over 16.5 Points, (-110, via BetMGM)

Nebraska and Iowa appear very even in Iowa City, making a prop play a better choice for this matchup. Sandfort looks like the best choice. Iowa doesn’t defend the low post very well, and Sandfort should be able to exploit it all night long.

There’s extra motivation for Sandfort: he’s from Waukee, Iowa, which means he’s in his home state and two hours from where he grew up. Any time a player comes home wearing visiting colors, they’re going to be motivated to put on a show. With Iowa’s interior defense a weakness, Sandfort should have a strong game.

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