Category: March Madness betting odds

NIT Consolation: Colorado State vs. Louisiana Tech odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Colorado State vs. Louisiana Tech odds and lines, with NIT Consoloation Game picks and predictions.

The No. 1 seed Colorado State Rams (20-7) take on the No. 4 seed Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (23-8) Sunday in the NIT Consolation Game at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on ESPN. Below, we analyze the Colorado State-Louisiana Tech odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Rams were no match for Memphis in the NIT semifinals and were blasted 90-67. Colorado State’s defense had been in lockdown mode in the first four postseason games while allowing an average of 64.5 points per game and the Under hit in each outing.

Memphis then blew the doors off, and that game easily cashed the Over. The Under is still 8-3 across Colorado State’s last 11 games.

The Bulldogs also didn’t put up much resistance in their NIT semifinal, falling 84-62 to Mississippi State. After allowing just 62.3 PPG in the first four postseason games, the defense struggled mightily in the loss. The Under is 13-7-2 across the past 22 games for the Bulldogs.

Colorado State vs. Louisiana Tech: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Colorado State -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Louisiana Tech +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Colorado State -1 (-110) | Louisiana Tech +1 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 142.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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Colorado State vs. Louisiana Tech: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Colorado State 69, Louisiana Tech 66

Money line (ML)

COLORADO STATE (-120) is worth playing on the money line, as opposed to the spread. The Rams closed the regular season on a roll, and their only losses are to Utah State, an NCAA Tournament team, and to Memphis.

The Rams have a decent offense with 75.9 PPG, they’re a good free-throw shooting team and they play a strong brand of defense, too.

While Louisiana Tech made a nice run in the postseason, losing to eventual tournament team North Texas in the Conference USA tournament, it’s not as battle-tested as the Rams. Look for CSU to get onto NIT podium for a third-place finish.

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Against the spread (ATS)

There is no real good reason to play Colorado State -1 (-110) rather than just play the money line. Essentially it’s the same bet, unless you truly have some sort of a model which suggests to you that this will be a one-point game. Even then, you would simply push. AVOID, just play the ML.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 142.5 (-110) is my favorite play on the board in this consolation game, as I really like what I have seen from Colorado State’s defense.

Add in the fact Louisiana Tech hit the Over last time out, and it hasn’t hit consecutive Overs since Dec. 15-19, and the Under looks really good.

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:

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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NIT Championship: Memphis vs. Mississippi State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Memphis vs. Mississippi State odds and lines, with NIT Championship picks and predictions.

The No. 1 seed Memphis Tigers (19-8) take on the No. 4 seed Mississippi State Bulldogs (18-14) Sunday in the NIT Championship Game at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. Tip-off is scheduled for noon ET on ESPN. Below, we analyze the Memphis-Mississippi State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Tigers had their NCAA Tournament bubble burst in the AAC Tournament, losing a narrow 76-74 game to Houston in the second round. While they covered the spread, and played the second-seeded Cougars tough, it wasn’t good enough to wow the committee.

Instead of pouting, the Tigers came together and rattled off impressive wins against Dayton, Boise State and Colorado State in the NIT, including a 23-point rout of the Rams in the national semifinals. Seasoned bettors know all about the Tigers, as they’re 4-1 against the spread in the postseason, 8-1 ATS across their past nine games, and 14-2 ATS in their previous 16 contests.

Mississippi State has taken the circuitous route to the NIT title game. There have been times this season it looked like world beaters, and other times it looked like a very bad club. The good version of the team showed up in the NIT semis in an 84-62 rout of Louisiana Tech.

The Bulldogs were no match for 2-seed Alabama in the SEC Tournament game, getting blasted 85-48. The NIT took them in, and the Bulldogs have rattled off three straight wins over St. Louis, Richmond and Louisiana Tech in a Bulldog-on-Bulldog matchup. They haven’t been cover kings like Memphis, but Mississippi State is a respectable 7-3 ATS across its past 10 games.

Memphis vs. Mississippi State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Memphis -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Mississippi State +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Memphis -4.5 (-110) | Mississippi State +4.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 135 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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Memphis vs. Mississippi State: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Memphis 70, Mississippi State 63

Money line (ML)

MEMPHIS (-200) is right at my personal money line limit. I don’t love the Tigers on the ML, but they’re not a bad play if you just want a little action on the NIT title game and don’t want to sweat out the points.

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Against the spread (ATS)

MEMPHIS -4.5 (-110) has been on fire both straight up and against the number, and has made plenty of wise guys a solid pile of cheddar over the past couple of months.

It doesn’t matter what games you’re betting at this juncture, or even if it is not an NCAA Tournament game. Dollars bet on winners in the NIT or CBI cash just the same as those in the Big Dance. Had the Tigers made the field of 68, they likely could have made some noise, too.

Memphis isn’t much to speak about at the offensive end, but it has a shut down defense, and defenses wins championships. The Tigers rank 19th in the nation with 62.3 points per game allowed, fourth with a 38.4% defensive field-goal percentage and second against the three ball at 26.8%.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 135 (-110) is the lean here, and that’s not just because of Memphis and its defense.

Mississippi State plays a good brand of defense, too, and allowed 65.7 PPG this season. It held the opposition to just 39.9% from the field to rank 20th overall.

The Under is 9-5 in the past 14 games for MSU and 13-5-1 in the previous 19 for Memphis.

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:

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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Syracuse at Houston NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Odds, Picks and Prediction

A Sweet 16 battle features the No. 2 seed Houston Cougars (24-3) playing as 6.5-point favorites against the No. 11 seed Syracuse Orange (16-9) on Saturday

A Sweet 16 battle features the No. 2 seed Houston Cougars (24-3) playing as 6.5-point favorites against the No. 11 seed Syracuse Orange (16-9) on Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The NCAA Tournament contest tips off at 9:55 PM ET, with the winner moving on to the Midwest Region bracket final.

The Cougars were led by 22 points from Quentin Grimes in a 63-60 win over Rutgers on Sunday. They failed to cover the spread in the contest and the teams combined to go under the 131.5-point over/under.

Buddy Boeheim led the way for the Orange with a team-high 25 points last time out as they picked up a 75-72 win over West Virginia and covered the 4-point spread as underdogs. The teams combined to go under the 148 point total set for the matchup.

Syracuse at Houston: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list.
Lines last updated at 8:30 PM ET on March 27, 2021.

  • Money line: Syracuse +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Houston -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Syracuse +6.5 (-110) | Houston -6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 141 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Houston: Three things to know

  • The Cougars scoring leader is Grimes, who averages 18.1 points per game. Grimes is the top three-point shooter for the team, connecting on 3.4 per game.
  • The Cougars record 77.4 points per game, seven more points than the 70.4 the Orange allow.
  • Houston has a 15-0 record against the spread and an 18-1 record overall when putting up more than 70.4 points.

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Syracuse: Three things to know

  • The Orange scoring leader is Boeheim, who averages 18.1 points per game. Boeheim is the top three-point shooter for the team, knocking down 3.2 per game.
  • The Orange’s 75.9 points per game are 18.0 more points than the 57.9 the Cougars allow to opponents.
  • When it scores more than 57.9 points, Syracuse is 13-0 against the spread and 18-9 overall.

Syracuse at Houston: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Houston 75, Syracuse 65

Money line

The Houston Cougars are the favorites to win this game by both the model and BetMGM.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Cougars are the bet in this game. They’re favored by 3 more points in the model than MGM (9.5 to 6.5).

Over/Under (O/U)

MGM and the model are extremely close in their point total projections for this contest, within 0.9 points of each other.

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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Additional 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.

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Oral Roberts at Arkansas NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Odds, Picks and Prediction

The No. 3 seed Arkansas Razorbacks (22-6) and the No. 15 seed Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (16-10) play in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 with a ticket to the Elite 8

The No. 3 seed Arkansas Razorbacks (22-6) and the No. 15 seed Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (16-10) play in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 with a ticket to the Elite 8 of the South Region bracket up for grabs on Saturday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, starting at 7:25 PM ET. Arkansas is an 11.5-point favorite in the matchup.

In their last game, the Razorbacks picked up a 68-66 win over Texas Tech and covered the 1.5-point spread as underdogs . The teams went under the 140.5 point total set by sportsbooks. Justin Smith totaled a team-high 20 points in the victory on Sunday.

Kevin Obanor led the way for the Golden Eagles with a team-high 28 points last time out as they picked up a 81-78 win over Florida and covered the 9-point spread as underdogs. The teams combined to go over the 149.5 point total set for the matchup.

Oral Roberts at Arkansas: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list.
Lines last updated at 4 PM ET on March 27, 2021.

  • Money line: Oral Roberts +450 (bet $100 to win $450) | Arkansas -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Oral Roberts +11.5 (-110) | Arkansas -11.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 157.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Arkansas: Three things to know

  • Moses Moody leads the Razorbacks scoring 17.1 points per game. Moody paces the squad with a team-high 1.9 made three-pointers per game.
  • The 82 points per game the Razorbacks record are 6.3 more points than the Golden Eagles give up (75.7).
  • When Arkansas totals more than 75.7 points, it is 13-0 against the spread and 16-2 overall.

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Oral Roberts: Three things to know

  • Max Abmas leads the Golden Eagles in points and assists. He scores 24.6 points per game while adding 3.9 assists. Abmas averages 3.6 made threes per game to pace the team.
  • The Golden Eagles score an average of 81.5 points per game, 11.1 more points than the 70.4 the Razorbacks allow.
  • Oral Roberts has compiled a 17-7 overall record and a 15-0 ATS record in games where it scores more than 70.4 points.

Oral Roberts at Arkansas: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Arkansas 84, Oral Roberts 71

Money line

The model and MGM are in agreement that the Arkansas Razorbacks are favored.

Against the spread (ATS)

The MGM line for this game has the Razorbacks favored by 11.5, while the model predicts they’ll win by slightly more (13.4 points).

Over/Under (O/U)

The model projects a total 2.5 points lower than the one set by MGM for this matchup.

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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Additional 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.

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March Madness: Gonzaga vs. Creighton odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Creighton Bluejays vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The 5-seed Creighton Bluejays (22-8) take on 1-seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-0) in a West Regional Sweet 16 game Sunday afternoon at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:10 p.m. ET and the game will broadcast on CBS. Below, we analyze the Creighton-Gonzaga odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Gonzaga trampled its first two NCAA Tournament opponents — 16-seed Norfolk State and 8-seed Oklahoma — by an average score of 92.5-63 but is 1-1 ATS in those games and only covered by a half-point against the Sooners.

This is the third straight Big Dance the Bulldogs have at least advanced to the Sweet 16 and fifth in the past six NCAA Tournaments.

Creighton bounced back from a 25-point blowout by Georgetown in the Big East Tournament championship and eking past 12-seed UC Santa Barbara 63-62 to demolish 13-seed Ohio 72-58 as 5.5-point favorites.

The Bluejays are making their first Sweet 16 appearance in head coach Greg McDermott’s 11 seasons on the job.

Gonzaga vs. Creighton: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Gonzaga -1100 (bet $1,100 to win $100) | Creighton +650 (bet $100 to win $650)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Gonzaga -13 (-110) | Creighton +13 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 158 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

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Gonzaga vs. Creighton: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Gonzaga 88, Creighton 81

Money line (ML)

PASS with a slight LEAN toward Creighton (+650) because as unlikely as it is that the Bluejays upset the Bulldogs, I do like Creighton plus the points and +650 is juicy.

But, instead of sprinkling on the underdog’s money line, I’ll use it on the total.

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Against the spread (ATS)

It’s hard to poke holes in an undefeated team’s resume but Gonzaga -13.5 (-110) is just too many points to lay in the Sweet 16 and the Bulldogs are just 3-3 ATS in their previous six games.

In Gonzaga’s win over Oklahoma last round, the Bulldogs actually shot worse from the field but attempted 14 more free throws and Creighton is 48th in defensive FTA/FG rate.

And while Creighton will struggle to find an answer for Gonzaga’s big Drew Timme and he’ll most likely be the difference-maker in this game, the Bluejays matchup really well against Bulldogs’ other superstars.

Creighton leading scorer and PG Marcus Zegarowski has a higher offensive rating, assist rate and effective field goal percentage than Gonzaga PG Jalen Suggs.

Also, Gonzaga senior SF Corey Kispert will have his hands full against Creighton’s defensive wing Christian Bishop. 

Finally, who isn’t laying the points with Gonzaga here?

According to Pregame.com, nearly 80% of the action is on the Bulldogs to cover but the line has dropped from Gonzaga -13.5 on the opener. Simply put, 80% of sports bettors don’t turn a profit.

Fade the market and BET CREIGHTON +13 (-110) for 1 unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

Gonzaga is hands down the best offensive team in the nation but Creighton will keep up with ‘Zaga Sunday.

The Bulldogs scheduled four ranked out of conference opponents at the beginning of their season and the Over cashed in all four of those contests.

Both teams play at a very fast pace and are top-30 in effective field goal shooting.

TAKE OVER 158 (-110) for a quarter-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:

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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Villanova vs. Baylor NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Odds, Picks and Prediction

A Sweet 16 matchup features the No. 1 seed Baylor Bears (22-2) playing as 6.5-point favorites against the No. 5 seed Villanova Wildcats (16-6) on Saturday

A Sweet 16 matchup features the No. 1 seed Baylor Bears (22-2) playing as 6.5-point favorites against the No. 5 seed Villanova Wildcats (16-6) on Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The NCAA Tournament matchup starts at 5:15 PM ET, with the winner moving on to the South Region bracket final.

On Sunday, the Bears faced Wisconsin and emerged victorious, 76-63. The Bears were favored by 6.5 points and covered the spread while the teams combined to go over the 136.5 point total.

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl led the way for the Wildcats with a team-high 18 points last time out as they picked up a 84-61 win over North Texas and covered the 6-point spread as favorites. The teams combined to go over the 126 point total set for the matchup.

Villanova at Baylor: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list.
Lines last updated at 1:25 PM ET on March 27, 2021.

  • Money line: Villanova +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Baylor -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Villanova +7.5 (-110) | Baylor -7.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 141.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Baylor: Three things to know

  • Jared Butler leads the Bears scoring 16.9 points per game. Butler leads the squad with a team-high 2.5 made three-pointers per game.
  • The 83.8 points per game the Bears record are 17.1 more points than the Wildcats give up (66.7).
  • When Baylor puts up more than 66.7 points, it is 24-1 overall and 14-0-1 against the spread.

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Villanova: Three things to know

  • Robinson-Earl leads the Wildcats in scoring (16.0 points per game) and rebounding (8.3 rebounds per game). Collin Gillespie leads the squad with a team-high 2.1 made three-pointers per game.
  • The Wildcats’ 75.8 points per game are 10 more points than the 65.8 the Bears give up to opponents.
  • Villanova has compiled an 18-3 overall record and a 14-0 ATS record in games where it scores more than 65.8 points.

Villanova at Baylor: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Baylor 75, Villanova 71

Money line

The Baylor Bears are favored to win this matchup according to both BetMGM and the model.

Against the spread (ATS)

The spread for this game suggested by the model (4.2 points) is slightly less than the 7.5-point edge MGM gives to the Bears, though the data still has them as the favorite.

Over/Under (O/U)

In this matchup, the model projects a total (146.1 points) significantly higher than the MGM over/under (141.5 points). Bet on the over.

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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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.

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March Madness: Alabama vs. UCLA odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Alabama Crimson Tide vs. UCLA Bruins odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The second-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide (26-6) face the 11th-seeded UCLA Bruins (20-9) in an East Region Sweet 16 game Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET at Indianapolis’ legendary Hinkle Fieldhouse and will be aired on TBS. Below, we analyze the Alabama-UCLA odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Crimson Tide enter on an 8-game win streak. Alabama beat 15th-seeded Iona 68-55 in the first round and No. 10 seed Maryland 96-77 in the second round, going 1-1 ATS. The Tide didn’t cover as 17-point favorites in the opener but covered as 6-point favorites against the Terps. For the season, G Jaden Shackelford leads four ‘Bama players in double figures with 14.3 PPG. In the tourney, the sophomore is averaging a team-high 15.5 PPG and senior G John Petty Jr. has 15.0 PPG.

UCLA entered the Big Dance on a 4-game skid and had to play an extra tourney game as it drew a First Four assignment. Behind sophomore guards Johnny Juzang (22.3 PPG last three games) and Jamie Jaquez Jr. (16.7 PPG), the Bruins are 3-0 SU/ATS in the NCAA Tournament, winning twice as underdogs. They needed overtime to beat Michigan State 86-80 as 2.5-point dogs in their opener, followed with a 73-62 first-round victory over 3.5-point favorite BYU and, as 5.5-point favorites, squashed the dreams of “Cinderella” Abilene Christian 67-47 in the second round.

Alabama is ranked No. 5 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. UCLA, which finished fourth in the Pac-12, hasn’t been ranked since the week of Feb. 8, when it was No. 24.

The winner advances to an Elite Eight matchup Tuesday against either top-seeded Michigan or No. 4 seed Florida State, who also play Sunday.

Alabama vs. UCLA: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Alabama -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | UCLA +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Alabama -6.5 (-110) | UCLA +6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

Alabama vs. UCLA: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Alabama 76, UCLA 72

Money line (ML)

AVOID. Backing ‘Bama (-250) will cost 2½ times your potential profit, which is not worth the risk.

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Against the spread (ATS)

UCLA +6.5 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. Excluding SEC runner-up and Sweet 16 team Arkansas, UCLA will be the toughest opponent Alabama will have faced up to this point.

Expect a game of runs that turns into a nip-and-tuck battle down the stretch. In the end, ‘Bama will prevail and move on to the Elite Eight as it’s the better offensive team.

ATS records: Alabama 18-13-1 | UCLA 15-14

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 145.5 (-110) with a HALF-UNIT play. Alabama has averaged 80.4 PPG across its last five contests, which were all elimination games, either in the SEC Tournament or the NCAA tourney.

In its last game, Alabama scored 96 points against defensive-minded Maryland. Before that outing, the Terrapins had only allowed 64.6 PPG for the season.

O/U records: Alabama 15-17 | UCLA 16-13

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 73-65-1 34-36 +2.175
2021 record (all sports) 93-79-1 46-39 +12.5
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

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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: Michigan vs. Florida State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Michigan Wolverines vs. Florida State Seminoles odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The top-seeded Michigan Wolverines (22-4) take on the No. 4 seed Florida State Seminoles (18-6) in an East Region Sweet 16 game Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m. ET at Indianapolis’ Bankers Life Fieldhouse and will be aired on CBS. Below, we analyze the Michigan-Florida State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Wolverines beat No. 16 seed Texas Southern 82-66 in the first round and fended off eighth-seeded LSU 86-78 in their next game. While they didn’t cover the 24.5-point spread in the opener, the Big Ten regular-season champs covered as 4-point favorites vs. LSU.

Michigan is without senior F Isaiah Livers, who suffered a season-ending stress fracture in his foot in UM’s Big Ten Tournament opener. Livers started all 23 games he played this season, averaging 13.1 PPG and 6.0 RPG, while hitting a team-best 50 3-pointers (shooting 43.1% behind the arc).

Junior F Brandon Johns Jr. has started in Livers’ place. He has averaged 9.0 PPG and 3.5 RPG in Michigan’s two tourney games, while senior G Eli Brooks averaged a team-high 16.0 PPG and Big Ten Freshman of the Year C Hunter Dickinson chipped in 14.0 PPG.

FSU defeated 13th-seeded UNC Greensboro 64-54 in the first round but came up a “hook” short as a 10-point favorite. The Seminoles had no problem covering as 1-point faves in their next game, cruising past No. 5 seed Colorado 71-53.

Junior F RaiQuan Gray‘s 17 points and 7 rebounds led the way in the opener, while  junior G Anthony Polite knocked down a game-high 22 points vs. Colorado and is averaging a team-best 17.0 PPG in the tourney.

Michigan is ranked No. 4 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. Florida State is 14th.

The winner advances to a Tuesday Elite Eight showdown against either second-seeded Alabama or 11th-seeded UCLA, who also play Sunday.

Michigan vs. Florida State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Michigan -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Florida State +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Michigan -2.5 (-110) | Florida State +2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 143.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

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

Prediction

Florida State 72, Michigan 69

Money line (ML)

Bet a HALF-UNIT on FLORIDA STATE (+125). The Big Ten, which had nine teams make the tourney, has been a total flop as Michigan is the only  team remaining. Behind that trend and with Livers out, there’s no reason to believe the Wolverines don’t get shown the door like the rest of their Big Ten peers.

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Against the spread (ATS)

FLORIDA STATE +2.5 (-110) is the way to go. Losing to Georgia Tech in the ACC title game might be the best thing that could have happened to the Seminoles.

They’re refocused and now get the chance to avenge a 58-54 Elite Eight game 2018 loss to Michigan.

ATS records: Michigan 18-8 | Florida State 12-10-2

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 143.5 (-110) is also worth a HALF-UNIT bet. FSU allowed 53.5 PPG in its two tourney games. Michigan’s offense averaged 84.0 PPG in its two tourney wins, but this isn’t against Texas Southern or LSU.

O/U records: Michigan 11-15 | Florida State 14-8-2

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 73-65-1 34-36 +2.175
2021 record (all sports) 93-79-1 46-39 +12.5
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

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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: Houston vs. Syracuse odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Houston Cougars vs. Syracuse Orange odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The Houston Cougars (26-3) take on the Syracuse Orange (18-9) in a Midwest Region Sweet 16 game Saturday night. The second-seeded Cougars and 11th-seeded Orange will tip-off at 9:55 p.m. ET at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Houston-Syracuse odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

With their offense leading the way, the Cougars reeled off seven straight wins before heading to Indiana. After wins over Cleveland State and Rutgers — the latter via a monster comeback late in the game — the Cougar win streak now stands at nine.

Over those nine straight wins, Houston has been improved in taking care of the basketball with just 8.2 turnovers per contest and in launching it from beyond the 3-point arc (37.8% accuracy).

A peaking-at-the-right-time Syracuse five is 5-1 over its last six games and 8-3 over its last 11. G Buddy Boeheim has had the hot hand in that Orange surge. Boeheim — who has scored 55 points in the tournament — has averaged 24.2 points over his last nine games. Over its two tourney wins, the Orange outshot their foes (San Diego State and West Virginia), 53.5% to 36.5%.

Houston vs. Syracuse: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Houston -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Syracuse +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Houston -6 (-110) | Syracuse +6 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 140 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

Houston vs. Syracuse: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Houston 74, Syracuse 70

Money line (ML)

The Cougars are the more talented team at both ends of the floor, but the lean on the ATS play is toward Syracuse. Houston (-275) may offer a sliver of value for the straight-up win.

Consider middling the play by taking Syracuse plus the points and Houston outright if the price on the Cougars should fall a bit.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Orange have strung together some high-level performances this month, and their offensive trend line is particularly impressive. Syracuse is 6-0 ATS in March and four of those covers have been by ATS margins of 7-plus points.

The Cougars are unaccustomed to a five-day layoff; the last time they had one was followed by an ATS disaster against Wichita State Feb. 18. Conversely, SU has put up solid shooting numbers following recent layoffs.

Syracuse has fared well lately against slow-down styles like the one played by Houston in recent ATS wins against San Diego State, Virginia and Clemson. Peg the Orange as getting this one close to one-possession territory.

BACK SYRACUSE +6 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

This total figures as perhaps 3 points too low. The Syracuse offense deserves enough respect to lean both teams into the 70s.

BACK THE OVER 140 (-110).

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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: Baylor vs. Villanova odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Baylor Bears vs. Villanova Wildcats odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The Baylor Bears (24-2) take on the Villanova Wildcats (18-6) in a South Region Sweet 16 game Saturday. The top-seeded Bears and fifth-seeded Wildcats will tip-off at 5:15 p.m. ET at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Baylor-Villanova odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Baylor finished No. 3 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. The high-scoring Bears (85.3 points per game, third NCAA) won their first 18 games this season. They fell 83-74 to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament, but they’ve coasted to two wins over Hartford and Wisconsin in this tournament.

The Wildcats advanced to this level with two relatively easy wins: A 73-63 triumph over Winthrop and an 84-61 victory over North Texas. ‘Nova is solid at both ends of the floor. On offense, the Wildcats are frequent launchers of 3-point attempts. In their Sunday win over UNT, they went 15-for-30 from distance to match a season-high for most treys made.

Baylor vs. Villanova: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Baylor -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Villanova +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Baylor -7.5 (-110) | Villanova +7.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

Baylor vs. Villanova: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Baylor 75, Villanova 70

Money line (ML)

The Bears are first in the nation in 3-point accuracy (42.9%). Baylor creates a lot of turnovers (37 through two tourney games) which fuels a solid transition game.

Villanova is trying to make a March run without senior G Collin Gillespie (knee), who averaged 14.0 points and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 37.6% from beyond the arc in 20 games this season.

Defensively, the Wildcats are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Over their last eight games, the Wildcats have held opponents to a 39.6% mark from the floor and a 29.9% mark from 3-point land. They just haven’t played anything really all that close to what this BU offense has to offer.

Peg Baylor as a near-80% proposition Saturday; BACK THE BEARS (-300).

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Bears are 3-6 against the spread in their last nine games.

Confidence in Baylor to win by three or more scores is not high. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 8-2 in the Bears’ last 10 games. Among the group of teams remaining, BU’s defense is below average. The game flow of this contest leans toward the leader down the stretch answering runs with baskets, not stops.

TAKE THE OVER 140.5 (-110) which figures as the strongest of these three plays.

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 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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