Wednesday's college basketball betting slate brings us big-time conference action featuring many prolific teams; however, today I have my sights set on a trio of games starring a few teams that are flying under the radar.
Top College Basketball Best Bets for Today
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VCU 
at Rhode Island
These two teams have very similar defensive efficiency metrics, but they are significantly different on offense.
VCU has posted solid offensive numbers thus far, ranking nationally in the top 50 in adjusted efficiency. It is also outstanding in three other areas, all of which directly affect Rhode Island.
First, VCU ranks in the top 120 in turnover percentage. This is key because Rhode is highly effective at taking the ball away, ranking seventh in turnover percentage among all D-1 teams. VCU is also highly skilled at offensive rebounding at getting to the charity stripe, ranking in the top 100 in both categories. Rhode Island, in contrast, ranks poorly in both corresponding defensive categories, outside the top 220 in both.
At the other end of the court, Rhode Island has struggled to put up points. URI ranks 190th in adjusted offensive efficiency and has a couple of severe issues we can't ignore. Rhode Island gives the ball away frequently, ranking 308th in offensive turnover percentage. It also struggles to make long-range shots, making just 31 percent of its three-point attempts. URI has also continued these issues into conference season, where it has the second-worst mark among Atlantic 10 teams in efficiency and turnovers.
On paper, VCU has all the tools to exploit Rhode Island's defense. I'm laying the points with VCU in this one.
College Basketball Best Bet: VCU -4.5
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Auburn 
at Missouri
Missouri lost on the road to Mississippi State in its last game, but it won its first two conference games against Florida and Kentucky (on the road), showing that it can compete with the best in the conference.
In Wednesday's matchup, Missouri faces a team much like itself, offensively skilled but lackluster on defense. That said, the Tigers have a couple of things in their favor.
First, Missouri is among the best at scoring inside and is facing a soft interior defense. Mizzou has made 60 percent of two-point attempts, the nation's 14th-highest mark, while Auburn has allowed opponents to make almost 53 percent of two-point attempts, a mark outside the top 200. Additionally, Missouri often generates second-chance opportunities, ranking in the top 50 nationally in offensive rebounding percentage. This is again key, as Auburn does not consistently box out, ranking 179th in defensive rebounding.
Second, Missouri has played tough defense in the paint, holding opponents to 46 percent on two-point attempts, which ranks 31st. Perhaps more impressively, despite already playing teams like Florida and Kentucky, Missouri boasts the second-best two-point FG percentage allowed in the SEC during conference play. This strength is key going into any game, and even more so in this one, as Auburn is usually great at scoring from close range, having made 56 percent of two-point attempts (61st). Missouri is also great at securing defensive boards, ranking in the top 100 in defensive rebounding percentage, again a critical strength because Auburn is exceptional at collecting offensive boards, ranking 10th nationally.
Given the location of Wednesday's game and how these teams match up, I'm going with Missouri.
College Basketball Best Bet: Missouri -1
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UCF at Kansas State 
At a glance, these two teams appear similar; however, a closer look reveals a couple of key differences.
First, UCF is massively better at rebounding. This is particularly noteworthy on offense, where the Knights have the 13th-highest offensive rebounding percentage among all D-1 teams. Kansas State has struggled to secure the defensive glass all season, ranking 242nd in rebounding percentage, and the problem has only persisted into conference play, last among Big 12 teams.
Second, UCF has a stronger defense. The Knights rank higher in adjusted efficiency, and they're also active on the glass, ranking 55th in defensive rebounding. For good measure, they also do a better job at limiting damage in the paint, holding opponents to 50 percent on two-point attempts.
Overall, UCF has a much better offense and a more reliable defense. I'm taking the Knights.
College Basketball Best Bet: UCF +2.5
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Wednesday College Basketball Best Bets:
Here's a recap of my best college basketball bets for Wednesday:
- VCU -4.5
- Missouri -1
- UCF +2.5
For up-to-date information on the latest college basketball betting odds and props from multiple sources, check out the college basketball odds page on RotoWire.
