Category: March Madness betting odds

March Madness: San Diego State vs. Syracuse odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s San Diego State Aztecs vs. Syracuse Orange odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 10-seed Syracuse Orange (16-9) meet the 6-seed San Diego State Aztecs (23-4) Friday in the first round of the Midwest Regional at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is set for 9:40 p.m. ET and is airing on CBS. Below, we analyze the Syracuse-San Diego State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Aztecs tore up the Mountain West Conference this season, winning both the regular-season and conference tourney championships.

San Diego State is riding a 14-game winning streak with an average score of 78.8-60.4 and covered in nine of those victories.

Syracuse was eliminated from the ACC Tournament 72-69 loss to West Regional 4-seed Virginia by a buzzer-beater as 4.5-point underdogs, but they covered for a fourth straight game.

This is Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim’s 35th NCAA Tournament appearance and third straight while San Diego State is making its second appearance in head coach Brian Dutcher’s fourth year on the job.

San Diego State vs. Syracuse: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:45 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Syracuse +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | San Diego State -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Syracuse +3 (-110) | San Diego State -3 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 138.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

San Diego State vs. Syracuse: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Syracuse 74, San Diego State 69

Money line (ML)

As I said in this week’s Bet Slippin’ Podcast, San Diego State (-160) is ranked 337th in defensive 3-point attempt rate.

And if the Aztecs let Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim and Co. chuck 3-pointers, the Orange are going to roll them.

Boeheim is one of the hottest shooters entering the tournament and has connected on 46.1% of threes in the past 11 games. His father, Jim, whose Hall of Fame resume speaks for itself, come tourney time: ‘Cuse is always a threat to make a run.

I lean SYRACUSE (+135) for a quarter-unit only because the Orange plus the points is a wiser play.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Definitely BET SYRACUSE +3 (-110) heavier than or instead of the money line.

The Orange have covered four straight NCAA Tournament games as an underdog. Also, the Aztecs are starting to show some cracks in their armor as they are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games.

Over/Under (O/U)

This game is ripe to go OVER 138.5 (-110). Both teams play up-tempo and shoot threes at an above-average rate.

As a product of Jim Boeheim’s 2-3 zone defense, Syracuse is ranked 327th in defensive 3-point attempt rate, which is trouble against a San Diego State team ranked 25th in 3-point shooting.

Finally, the market has steamed this total up from a 137.5-point opener and I’d rather follow the market than fade it. BET OVER 138.5 (-110) for 1 unit.

Want some action on this game or others? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: Clemson vs. Rutgers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Clemson Tigers odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 11-seed Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-11) meet the 7-seed Clemson Tigers (16-7) in the first round of the Midwest Regional Friday at 9:20 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Rutgers-Clemson odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Clemson was upset 67-64 as an 8-point favorite by Miami last Wednesday in the second round of the ACC Tournament. It was the Tigers’ second loss in their last three games following a five-game win streak; they’re 4-4 against the spread over their last eight games.

The Scarlet Knights drubbed Indiana 61-50 in the second round of the Big 10 Tournament only to get shellacked by eventual conference champion No. 2 Illinois 90-68 in the quarterfinals.

Rutgers started the season with a six-game win streak that was punctuated by a 91-88 upset of then-No. 13 Illinois. It finished the regular season 3-4 straight up and 4-3 ATS in the final seven games.

This is only the second NCAA Tournament appearance for Clemson in the last 10 seasons while Rutgers hasn’t been to the Big Dance since 1991.

Clemson vs. Rutgers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rutgers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Clemson +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Rutgers -1.5 (-110) | Clemson +1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 125.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Clemson vs. Rutgers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Clemson 65, Rutgers 60

Money line (ML)

Neither team gets to the charity stripe a lot, but Clemson is 31st in free-throw percentage and Rutgers is 336th so I have questions on whether or not the Scarlet Knights can close out a tight game.

Furthermore, according to Ken Pom, Clemson is 20th in adjusted defensive efficiency, and Rutgers is 289th in 3-point percentage and 284th in 3-point attempt rate.

The Scarlet Knights not being able to space the floor and being unwilling to attack the basket because of poor free-throw shooting should make the job easier for the Clemson defense.

TAKE CLEMSON (+105) for 1.25 units.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS unless it gets up to Clemson +2 or higher because I’d rather just take the Tigers to win outright at plus-money than get only a point of insurance.

Over/Under (O/U)

Rutgers-Clemson figures to be a “rock fight” between two slow-paced teams that play better defense than offense.

That is accounted for in BetMGM‘s projected total for this game and I’m hesitant to follow a crowd of bettors that have steamed this number down from a 128-point opener.

I lean Under 125.5 (-105) but ultimately have to PASS because of the line movement.

Want some action on this game or others? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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VIDEO: How to bet on Ohio State vs. Oral Roberts March Madness matchup

SportsGrid discusses Ohio State vs. Oral Roberts March Madness matchup

The 15th-seed Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (16-10) meet second-seed Ohio State Buckeyes (21-9) Friday for a 3 p.m. ET tip-off during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Our friends at SportsGrid are joined by Jim Root, as they discuss the Ohio State vs. Oral Roberts matchup and how you should place your bets on it. Should you take the Over in this one? Root shares his thoughts…

Can’t see the video? Click here.

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: North Carolina vs. Wisconsin odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Wisconsin Badgers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 9-seed Wisconsin Badgers (17-12) square off against the 8-seed North Carolina Tar Heels (18-10) in the first round of the South Regional at 7:10 p.m. ET in Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Below, we analyze the Wisconsin-North Carolina odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

North Carolina wrapped up its regular season 4-2 SU and ATS in the last six games. The Tar Heels then won and covered two ACC Tournament games before losing to East Regional 4-seed Florida State in the conference tourney semifinals.

Wisconsin struggled at the end of its season, losing seven of the previous 10 games (3-6-1 ATS) and is entering the Big Dance unranked after being in the Top 25 for a majority of the season.

The Badgers’ last three wins have come against sub-.500 teams including narrowly beating Penn State 75-74 as 6.5-point favorites in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.

North Carolina vs. Wisconsin: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Wisconsin -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | North Carolina -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Wisconsin +1 (-110) | North Carolina -1 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 137.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

North Carolina vs. Wisconsin: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

North Carolina 73, Wisconsin 68

Money line (ML)

These teams have similar identities, but NORTH CAROLINA (-115) is bigger, more physical and is playing its best basketball entering the tournament.

Aside from Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim, Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams has the most postseason experience in the field. North Carolina has advanced to the Sweet 16 or further in four of its past five NCAA Tournament appearances.

Also, the Tar Heels are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five neutral site games as favorites and the Badgers are 0-3-1 ATS in their previous games in neutral venues.

Essentially, Williams does a better job getting his guys prepped for high-profile games. GIMME NORTH CAROLINA (-115) to advance.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the spread since North Carolina -1 (-110) is only 5 cents cheaper on the dollar than its money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

North Carolina’s offense is 24th in average possession length and 1st in offensive rebounding rate (according to Ken Pom), which tells me the Tar Heels will score fast and get easy putbacks.

Even though Wisconsin plays at a snail’s pace, the Badgers have the 4th-best turnover rate and are one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the country. So, if North Carolina pushes the pace, I like Wisconsin to hang around by knocking down 3’s.

According to Pregame.com, more than 95% of the money is on the Under and that has steamed the total down from the 139-point opener. Typically, you’ll win money as a sports gambler if you blindly fade betting markets this one-sided.

I lean OVER 137.5 (-115) for a half unit and wait until closer to tip-off to perhaps get a cheaper total.

Want some action on this game or others? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: Arkansas vs. Colgate odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Colgate Raiders odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The Colgate Raiders (14-1) take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (22-6) in an NCAA South Region First Round Game Friday. The 14th-seeded Raiders and third-seeded Razorbacks will tip-off at 12:45 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Colgate-Arkansas odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Razorbacks went 9-1 over their last 10 games with an SEC tourney loss snapping a nine-game winning streak. Over those 10 games, they’ve held opposing shooters to a 40.4% mark from the field. G Moses Moody is leading Arkansas in scoring at 17.4 points per game. The freshman sensation has come on strong of late and shot 40.0% from distance in averaging 21.8 PPG over his last six games.

The Raiders didn’t begin their season until Jan. 2. They played Army in their first two games, losing the second of those but CU hasn’t lost since. The Raiders take good care of the basketball while playing a fast tempo. Three-hundred-and-forty-seven teams have played NCAA-I basketball this winter; Colgate has averaged more points per game (86.3) than 345 of them.

Arkansas vs. Colgate: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 3:05 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Colgate +333 (bet $100 to win $333) | Arkansas -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Colgate +8.5 (-110) | Arkansas -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 161.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Arkansas vs. Colgate: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Arkansas 82, Colgate 77

Money line (ML)

Senior guard play leads the way for the Raiders: G Jordan Burns, G Jack Ferguson, and G Nelly Cummings are CU’s top three scorers. Burns is the fifth-leading scorer in the Patriot League with 17.0 points per game and the circuit’s top assist distributor with 5.3 per game. Those guards have led a CU squad that went a combined 25-for-42 from 3-point range the last two games.

PASS on the current tag, but consider Colgate if the plus figure gets to +360 or so.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Raiders are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games against winning teams.

The 3s can keep the Raiders at a single-digit deficit. Or perhaps get them under the wire for a late back-door cover. TAKE COLGATE +8.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

This game has been one of the more heavily bet contests mid-week, and here’s the reason: Colgate and Arkansas are fast-paced fives.

The total accounts for that but perhaps goes a couple of points too far. BACK UNDER 161.5 (-110).

Want some action on this game or others? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Texas Southern at Mount St. Mary’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First Four odds, picks and prediction

The Texas Southern Tigers (16-8) are 1.5-point underdogs to advance to the Round of 64 of the NCAA Tournament bracket in their First Four matchup against the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers (12-10)

The Texas Southern Tigers (16-8) are 1.5-point underdogs to advance to the Round of 64 of the NCAA Tournament bracket in their First Four matchup against the Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers (12-10) on Thursday at Assembly Hall (Indiana), beginning at 5:10 PM ET, airing on TRU.

The Mountaineers were led by Damian Chong Qui’s 21 points last time out in a 73-68 victory over Bryant on Tuesday. They covered the spread as 6.5-point underdogs, while the teams scored a combined 141 points to go over the 133 over/under.

Last time out, Joirdon Karl Nichols scored 16 points as the Tigers earned an 80-61 victory against Prairie View A&M on Saturday. The teams combined to score 141 points to hit the under on the 143 point total by sportsbooks, while the Tigers were 3-point underdogs and covered the spread.

Texas Southern at Mount St. Mary’s: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list.
Lines last updated at 1 PM ET on March 18, 2021.

  • Money line: Texas Southern +105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Mount St. Mary’s -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Texas Southern +1.5 (-110) | Mount St. Mary’s -1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 132.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Mount St. Mary’s: Three things to know

  • The Mountaineers points and assists leader is Chong Qui. He averages 15.1 points per game and adds 5.5 assists. Deandre Thomas averages 1.9 made threes per game to pace the team.
  • The Mountaineers record 63.7 points per game, six fewer points than the 69.7 the Tigers give up.
  • When Mount St. Mary’s puts up more than 69.7 points, it is 6-0 against the spread and 6-1 overall.

Risk-free first bet up to $600! Promotion available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV.  Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM Sportsbook! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Texas Southern: Three things to know

  • The Tigers points and assists leader is Michael Weathers. He averages 16.5 points per game and adds 3.5 assists. John Jones averages 1.0 made three per game to pace the team.
  • The Tigers score an average of 74.8 points per game, 12.5 more points than the 62.3 the Mountaineers give up to opponents.
  • Texas Southern has compiled a 16-7 overall record and a 9-0-2 ATS record in games where it scores more than 62.3 points.

Texas Southern at Mount St. Mary’s: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Texas Southern 68, Mount St. Mary’s 66

Money line

The model prefers the Tigers to win, disagreeing with the BetMGM money line favorite.

Against the spread (ATS)

The model has the Tigers as 1.8-point favorites in this one despite the opposite prediction from MGM. However, the margin between the two lines is only 2.8 points.

Over/Under (O/U)

The model predicts a total 2.8 points higher than the one set by MGM for this game.

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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More college sports from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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March Madness: UCLA vs. Michigan State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s UCLA Bruins vs. Michigan State Spartans odds and lines, with March Madness First Four picks and predictions.

The UCLA Bruins (17-9) face the Michigan State Spartans (15-12) in a First Four matchup between 11 seeds in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament Thursday. Tip-off is slated for 9:57 p.m. ET at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind., and will be aired on TBS. Below, we analyze the UCLA-Michigan State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

UCLA finished fourth in the Pac-12 with a 13-6 conference record. Michigan State tied for eighth in the Big Ten at 9-11.

The Bruins-Spartans winner advances to a Saturday Round 1 matchup against sixth-seeded BYU (20-6) for a 9:40 p.m. ET tip at Indianapolis’ Hinkle Fieldhouse.

UCLA vs. Michigan State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: UCLA +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Michigan State -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: UCLA +2 (-110) | Michigan State -2 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 135 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

UCLA vs. Michigan State: Three things to know

  1. The Bruins enter on a 4-game skid. They closed the regular season with losses at Colorado, at Oregon and in the finale to USC at home on a last-second shot. They were then eliminated by Oregon State 83-79 in their first game of the Pac-12 Tournament. The Bruins, who were 5.5-point favorites, blew a 16-point, first-half lead to the Beavers.
  2. In early February, Michigan State was 8-7 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten, facing a real possibility of missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1997. The Spartans responded by closing out the regular season 7-4 with three wins over top-10 teams. The three upsets – of then-No. 4 Illinois, then-No. 5 Ohio State and then-No. 2 Michigan in the finale – likely earned Michigan State an NCAA invite. The Spartans lost their opening Big Ten Tournament game 68-57 as 2-point underdogs to Maryland.
  3. Sophomore G Johnny Juzang leads the Bruins with 14.0 points per game and sophomore G Jamie Jaquez Jr. averages team-highs in rebounds (6.0 RPB) and steals (1.2 SPG). Michigan State is led by junior F Aaron Henry (15.3 PPG, 3.5 APG, 1.3 SPG) and junior F Joey Hauser (team-high 5.7 RPG).

March Madness betting promotions

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

UCLA vs. Michigan State: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Michigan State 69, UCLA 64

Money line (ML)

PASS on the Michigan State ML (-140) and focus on the spread below.

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Against the spread (ATS)

MICHIGAN STATE -2 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. While these Spartans aren’t your typical Spartans team, it’s hard to go against head coach Tom Izzo in March.

Betting against the Bruins has been profitable since mid-January. They went 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games.

The Spartans also have a slight advantage having played in Mackey Arena in the past as a Big Ten rival of Purdue.

ATS records: UCLA 12-14 | Michigan State 9-18

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 135 (-110) is worth a HALF-UNIT wager. Expect early jitters to affect both teams at the start, leading to a low-scoring first half.

O/U records: UCLA 15-11 | Michigan State 10-17

Want some action on this game or others? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

JOHNNY PARLAY’S RECORD W-L SP ROI
College hoops since Jan. 1 70-60-1 31-33 +4.275
2021 record (all sports) 90-74-1 43-36 +14.6
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: Drake vs. Wichita State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Drake Bulldogs vs. Wichita State Shockers odds and lines, with March Madness First Four picks and predictions.

The Drake Bulldogs (25-4) battle the Wichita State Shockers (16-5) in a First Four NCAA Tournament showdown between 11 seeds in the West Region Thursday. Tip-off is set for 6:27 p.m. ET at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind., and will be aired on TBS. Below, we analyze the Drake-Wichita State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Drake finished second behind Loyola-Chicago in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 15-3 conference record. Wichita State was the American Athletic Conference regular-season champ at 11-2 but was upset in the AAC semifinals by Cincinnati 60-59.

Drake won its first 18 games before losing to Valparaiso Feb. 7. Then the Bulldogs were dealt two huge body blows. Senior F ShanQuan Hemphill, the team’s leading scorer, and junior PG Roman Penn suffered the same season-ending injury, a broken foot, within 12 days of each other.

Hemphill averaged a team-high 14.1 points per game with 6.3 RPG. Penn led the ‘Dogs in assists (5.5 APG) and steals (1.4 SPG) and also scored 11.2 PPG. With the duo out, sophomore G Joseph Yesufu picked up the slack, scoring 23.1 PPG in the last seven games.

There is a chance Hemphill returns to play Thursday.

Wichita State put together an 8-game win streak before losing to Cincy in the AAC semifinals. The Shockers’ most impressive victory during the season was a 68-63 home upset as 7-point underdogs against then-No. 5 Houston Feb. 18.

Sophomore G Tyson Etienne scores a team-high 17.0 PPG for the Shockers. Senior G Alterique Gilbert is the only other Shocker scoring in double figures (10.3. PPG) and leads the team in assists (4.1 APG) and steals (1.5 SPG). Senior F Trey Wade is the top rebounder (5.6 RPG).

The Drake-Wichita State winner advances to a Saturday Round 1 matchup against sixth-seeded USC (22-7) for a 4:30 p.m. ET tip-off at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Drake vs. Wichita State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Drake -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Wichita State +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Drake -2 (-110) | Wichita State +2 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Drake vs. Wichita State: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Drake 73, Wichita State 67

Money line (ML)

Drake wins if Hemphill plays or not, but AVOID the Bulldogs’ -140 ML. We’ll make money on the spread below.

Play our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread (ATS)

DRAKE -2 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. The Bulldogs made us good money during the season. There were concerns after the Hemphill and Penn injuries, but they still went 5-2 ATS in their final seven regular-season games.

The Shockers, who lost their last two games, went 3-7 ATS in their final 10 contests.

ATS records: Drake 20-6-1 | Wichita State 9-9-1

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The projection has this finishing right near the O/U line of 140.5. If you must, the lean would be Under because of a neutral floor and expected early nerves.

O/U records: Drake 17-10 | Wichita State 9-10

Want some action on this game or others? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

JOHNNY PARLAY’S RECORD W-L SP ROI
College hoops since Jan. 1 70-60-1 31-33 +4.275
2021 record (all sports) 90-74-1 43-36 +14.6
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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March Madness First Four parlay picks and prediction

Offering up four picks and predictions from the March Madness First Four into the NCAA Tournament’s top parlay bet.

The NCAA Tournament usually begins with a full Thursday slate. The adjusted schedule for 2021 kicks the all-Hoosier State affair off with just four games Thursday: the quartet of pre-bracket games known as the First Four. Below, we offer four parlay picks and predictions for Thursday’s First Four of March Madness.

Consider a four-team parlay as an appetizer play before the bracket feast begins. Parlay bets combine the outcome of multiple events to increase the potential payout to bettors.

March Madness First Four parlay picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:10 p.m. ET.

Leg 1: Mount St. Mary’s +1 (-115) vs. Texas Southern (5:10 p.m. ET)

The Texas Southern Tigers come out of a fast-paced Southwest Athletic Conference and haven’t had much experience against the slowdown game played by MSMU. The Mountaineers have had games against teams that force a lot of possessions, and they’ve fared well in those contests.

Look for Mount St. Mary’s rebounding and distance shooting edges to put the Mountaineers over the top.

BACK MOUNT ST. MARY’S +1 (-115).

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

Leg 2: Norfolk State +3 (-110) vs. Appalachian State (8:40 p.m. ET)

Norfolk State carries a six-game win streak into its first tournament game since 2012. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions struggle in shooting the ball inside the perimeter, but the Spartans knock down 3s at a hefty clip (36.4%) and get to the free-throw line with great frequency. The triples and singles add up: NSU was second in MEAC scoring, at 75.2 points per game.

Perimeter defense is a blind spot for Appalachian State, and the Spartans are on a solid momentum swing.

TAKE NORFOLK STATE +3 (-110).

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Leg 3: Drake -1.5 (-110) vs. Wichita State (6:27 p.m. ET)

The Drake Bulldogs went 25-4 this season, but they’ve lost three times in their last nine games. Drake is a solid team that was undone by some uncanny shooting in two of those losses.

In what figures as a low-scoring game (the Under 141.5 (-110) looks like a solid play), the Bulldogs look to have a shooting edge, especially on the inside. That inside edge includes the almighty offensive rebounding and second-chance put-back game.

BACK DRAKE -1.5 (-110).

Play our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Leg 4: UCLA +2 (-110) vs. Michigan State (9:57 p.m. ET)

The UCLA defense has been on a slide, and that has contributed to UCLA entering this tourney on a four-game losing skid. If only the Bruins could get right against a team struggling on offense.

Enter the Michigan State Spartans stage-right. MSU ranked 13th in Big Ten scoring this winter with 69.0 points per game. By just about any shooting or ballhandling measure, the rank wouldn’t be much kinder.

The Spartans are capable of wild swings from game-to-game. UCLA is the more consistent team, and the Bruins haven’t played that bad during their skid. Getting a full two points here feels like a gift.

TAKE UCLA +2 (-110).

Parlay Payout: Bet $100 to earn a profit of $1,200.83.

Want some action on these games? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]

March Madness First Four parlay picks and prediction

Offering up four picks and predictions from the March Madness First Four into the NCAA Tournament’s top parlay bet.

The NCAA Tournament usually begins with a full Thursday slate. The adjusted schedule for 2021 kicks the all-Hoosier State affair off with just four games Thursday: the quartet of pre-bracket games known as the First Four. Below, we offer four parlay picks and predictions for Thursday’s First Four of March Madness.

Consider a four-team parlay as an appetizer play before the bracket feast begins. Parlay bets combine the outcome of multiple events to increase the potential payout to bettors.

March Madness First Four parlay picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:10 p.m. ET.

Leg 1: Mount St. Mary’s +1 (-115) vs. Texas Southern (5:10 p.m. ET)

The Texas Southern Tigers come out of a fast-paced Southwest Athletic Conference and haven’t had much experience against the slowdown game played by MSMU. The Mountaineers have had games against teams that force a lot of possessions, and they’ve fared well in those contests.

Look for Mount St. Mary’s rebounding and distance shooting edges to put the Mountaineers over the top.

BACK MOUNT ST. MARY’S +1 (-115).

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

Leg 2: Norfolk State +3 (-110) vs. Appalachian State (8:40 p.m. ET)

Norfolk State carries a six-game win streak into its first tournament game since 2012. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions struggle in shooting the ball inside the perimeter, but the Spartans knock down 3s at a hefty clip (36.4%) and get to the free-throw line with great frequency. The triples and singles add up: NSU was second in MEAC scoring, at 75.2 points per game.

Perimeter defense is a blind spot for Appalachian State, and the Spartans are on a solid momentum swing.

TAKE NORFOLK STATE +3 (-110).

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Leg 3: Drake -1.5 (-110) vs. Wichita State (6:27 p.m. ET)

The Drake Bulldogs went 25-4 this season, but they’ve lost three times in their last nine games. Drake is a solid team that was undone by some uncanny shooting in two of those losses.

In what figures as a low-scoring game (the Under 141.5 (-110) looks like a solid play), the Bulldogs look to have a shooting edge, especially on the inside. That inside edge includes the almighty offensive rebounding and second-chance put-back game.

BACK DRAKE -1.5 (-110).

Play our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Leg 4: UCLA +2 (-110) vs. Michigan State (9:57 p.m. ET)

The UCLA defense has been on a slide, and that has contributed to UCLA entering this tourney on a four-game losing skid. If only the Bruins could get right against a team struggling on offense.

Enter the Michigan State Spartans stage-right. MSU ranked 13th in Big Ten scoring this winter with 69.0 points per game. By just about any shooting or ballhandling measure, the rank wouldn’t be much kinder.

The Spartans are capable of wild swings from game-to-game. UCLA is the more consistent team, and the Bruins haven’t played that bad during their skid. Getting a full two points here feels like a gift.

TAKE UCLA +2 (-110).

Parlay Payout: Bet $100 to earn a profit of $1,200.83.

Want some action on these games? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1667]