Best Women’s College Basketball Picks & Player Props Today

Written By Dan Angell | Published at February 19, 2026 College Basketball Image ID 2388728349 via Gorodenkoff on Shutterstock

At this point, every game matters. The women are just about out of time to impress the selection committee, and the teams near the top 16 are anxious to get the first two rounds at home.

That creates multiple tiers of teams in the women’s game. The top 30 teams in the nation are concerned mostly about hosting and matchups. Every game is a chance to increase their odds of reaching the Final Four.

The next set of 30 teams are more concerned about getting into the tournament at all. One more loss, especially a bad one, could be their last. Knowing the mindset of different teams is a big step toward giving yourself the best chances to win.

Knowing external factors can also be a big help. If a team’s coming off a tough trip, it could be flat the next time out and lose an opportunity it could have taken advantage of. There’s one game in particular for February 19 where travel looks like a factor.

Here are our best women’s college basketball picks and player props for February 19.

Best NCAAW Parlay PicksNorth Carolina (-6.5, -110, via BetMGM) vs. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech had to come more than 3,000 miles for this game after playing the duo of California and Stanford. North Carolina came 200 miles after playing against Duke. Even though they’re the road team, the Tar Heels should be fresher.

And when North Carolina is fresh, it can make life miserable for its opponents. In the seven games prior to the loss to Duke, the Heels held six opponents to 59 points or less. Clemson, SMU and Georgia Tech all failed to break 50 points against the Carolina defense.

Virginia Tech has struggled to beat the ACC’s best, which is one reason why they’re in the second tier of 30 teams. They weren’t close against Duke, Louisville or NC State. Carolina beat State and nearly took down Duke. Even on the road, the Heels should have the edge.

Iowa (-16.5, -115, via BetMGM) vs. Purdue

This was already looking pretty hopeless for Purdue before Madison Layden-Zay dislocated her knee in the Boilermakers’ win over Rutgers. Without her, Purdue’s going to be lucky to keep this game within 20.

Iowa is playing for a top-four seed in both the Big Ten and the NCAAs. The Hawkeyes’ only real issue in Big Ten play came when they couldn’t handle the Los Angeles swing of the Big Ten. Few teams are capable of standing up to UCLA or USC, so that wasn’t a surprise.

Iowa beats the teams it should beat, and Purdue definitely qualifies. The Boilers have already lost by 27 to Ohio State and by 30 to Michigan State at home. Playing in Mackey Arena won’t do anything to save Purdue here.

NC State vs. Duke (U141.5, -110, via BetMGM)

Duke’s defense doesn’t have too many struggles in consecutive games. The Blue Devils are capable of making good offenses look helpless, and after barely escaping North Carolina, Duke should be energized on defense here.

The Duke defense has played seven ACC contests at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Five of their opponents failed to even crack 50 points. Before playing Carolina, Duke held SMU to a mere 36.

NC State likes to get out and run against lesser teams. But against good opponents, the Wolfpack have struggled to score. For the over to be in play, State would need to get to around 65 points. Duke’s history suggests that’s not happening.

NCAAB Parlay Pick: North Carolina -6.5/Iowa -16.5/NC State vs. Duke Under 141.5 (+596)Best College Basketball Prop PicksAva Heiden, Iowa, Over 25.5 Points + Rebounds

With no Madison Layden-Zay down low, Heiden should have a field day against Purdue. She’s coming off scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a win over Nebraska, and she’s likely to have another strong showing in this one.

Purdue’s defense doesn’t do enough in the paint. Despite her 6’7” frame, Avery Gordon is still learning how to use it. Heiden is far more experienced and should easily win the battle down low for most of the night.

Best Women’s College Basketball Picks & Player Props Today

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