March Madness: Baylor vs. Houston odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Baylor Bears vs. Houston Cougars odds and lines, with March Madness Final Four picks and predictions.

The No. 1-seed Baylor Bears (26-2) tangle with the No. 2 Houston Cougars (28-3) Saturday in the Final Four’s first semifinal. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:14 p.m. ET at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium. Below, we analyze the Baylor-Houston odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Baylor has defeated Hartford, Wisconsin, Villanova and Arkansas to reach the Final Four. The Bears’ win over Arkansas in the Elite Eight was a technical knockout, with BU leading wire-to-wire and keeping a stranglehold on a multi-possession lead almost the whole way.

Tournament time has brought out the best of the Bears in two key facets of the game: Baylor is taking better care of the ball (6.8 turnovers per game) and playing improved defense (43.1% field-goal percentage allowed) compared to some relative struggles in February and early-March.

Houston has survived two scares in the tournament with late-game slides against Rutgers and Oregon State. Strong rebounding performances, good passing, and winning turnover battles have helped the Cougars overcome iffy shooting. UH is shooting just 38.8% from the floor for the tournament.

Baylor vs. Houston: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:25 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Baylor -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Houston +190 (bet $100 to win $190)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Baylor -5.5 (-110) | Houston +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 135 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

Prediction

Baylor 70, Houston 68

Money line (ML)

The Lone Star State matchup figures to be closer than the way the odds lay. Its been a bumpy road for Houston, but the reason the Cougars prevail without shooting lights out is what makes them so dangerous as a spoiler. UH can shoot under 40% in a game but still win because the Cougars do everything else — a ton of little things — at a high level.

The Cougars ride momentum and confidence into this game, and the few days of rest possibly come as a reset to their shooting woes. Houston does two things well that figure to give the Bears fits — it hits the offensive glass hard and can get out in transition and bunch some points together on turnovers.

Maybe turnovers haven’t been a problem in recent bracket action for Baylor but the Bears haven’t played a defense like this either.

Houston can block shots, steal away possessions, and rebound its way to a National Championship.

Take the COUGARS (+190).

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Against the spread (ATS)

UH is 7-1 ATS in its last eight neutral-site games as an underdog. The Cougars are 11-2 ATS over their last 13 games overall as dogs.

Peg this one as a one-possession game with Baylor squeaking by or losing outright.

Take HOUSTON +5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Signals crop up on both sides of the O/U ledger and there’s just the slightest lean toward the Over 135 (-110). A PASS IS SUGGESTED.

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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: Gonzaga vs. UCLA odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. UCLA Bruins odds and lines, with March Madness Final Four picks and predictions.

The top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs (30-0) face the 11th-seeded UCLA Bruins (22-9) Saturday in the Final Four’s second semifinal. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:34 p.m. ET at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium (on CBS). Below, we analyze the Gonzaga-UCLA odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Bulldogs are two wins shy of becoming the first undefeated champion since Bobby Knight’s 1976 Indiana Hoosiers. They are the third unbeaten team – joining 1991 UNLV and 2015 Kentucky – to make the Final Four since the tourney expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

Gonzaga, No. 1 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports, is 1-1 all time in the Final Four and has never won a national title.

Behind sophomore F Drew Timme (21.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game), senior F Corey Kispert (17.3 PPG, 15-for-30 3-pointers), junior G Joel Ayayi (12.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG), and freshman G Jalen Suggs (12.3 PPG), the Zags outscored their four NCAA Tournament opponents by an average of 24.0 PPG.

UCLA barely made the tourney. The Bruins were one of the last teams in and had to play a First Four game, where they rallied late to eliminate Michigan State 86-80 in overtime.

The Bruins, who own a record-11 national titles but haven’t won since 1995, also needed OT in the Sweet 16 when they knocked out No. 2 seed Alabama 88-78. UCLA then upset top-seeded and 6.5-point favorite Michigan 51-49 to earn its first Final Four berth since 2008.

In their five tourney games, sophomore guards Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez Jr. averaged 21.6 PPG and 14.2 PPG, respectively. Junior G Jules Bernard pulled down a team-high 7.0 RPG, and Juzang went 12-for-34 behind the 3-point arc.

The winner advances to Monday’s National Championship to face either top-seeded Baylor or No. 2 seed Houston, who play Saturday’s first game.

Gonzaga vs. UCLA: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Gonzaga -1250 (bet $1,250 to win $100) | UCLA +750 (bet $100 to win $750)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Gonzaga -14 (-110) | UCLA +14 (-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!

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

Prediction

Gonzaga 84, UCLA 64

Money line (ML)

AVOID. Gonzaga will win, but -1250 is way too expensive.

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Against the spread (ATS)

GONZAGA -14 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager.

While UCLA covered the spread in each of its tourney games – winning four as an underdog – and held opponents to 63.2 PPG, it’s hard to bet against Gonzaga.

The Zags covered all four of their tourney games and, even more impressive, won their last 27 games by double digits, which is a Division I-record.

ATS records: Gonzaga 16-12-2 | UCLA 17-14

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 145.5 (-110) with a HALF-UNIT play.

Toss out the “easy” 98-55 first-round rout of No. 16 Norfolk State and Gonzaga still averaged 85.0 PPG in its next three NCAA victories (against Oklahoma, Creighton and USC).

The reason for the half-unit wager is because of UCLA’s suffocating defense, which held its tourney opponents to 63.2 PPG. Facing Gonzaga should be a whole different story, however.

O/U records: Gonzaga 15-15 | UCLA 17-14

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 78-68-1 36-36 +3.9575
2021 record (all sports) 98-86-1 48-41 +8.925
*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 / Penn State / 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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UCLA at Michigan NCAA Tournament Elite 8 Odds, Picks and Prediction

The top-seeded Michigan Wolverines (20-4) and the No. 11 UCLA Bruins (17-9) will compete for a spot in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday.

The top-seeded Michigan Wolverines (20-4) and the No. 11 UCLA Bruins (17-9) will compete for a spot in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament on Tuesday. Michigan is favored by 7.5 points in the East Region bracket final, which tips off about 9:57 PM ET.

In their last game, the Wolverines picked up a 76-58 win over Florida State and covered the 2-point spread. The teams went under the 140.5 point total set by sportsbooks. Hunter Dickinson put up a team-high 14 points in the victory on Sunday.

Jules Bernard led the way for the Bruins with a team-high 17 points last time out as they picked up a 88-78 win over Alabama and covered the 7-point spread as underdogs. The teams combined to go over the 144 point total set for the matchup.

UCLA at Michigan: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list.
Lines last updated at 6 PM ET on March 30, 2021.

  • Money line: UCLA +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Michigan -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: UCLA +6.5 (-110) | Michigan -6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 136 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Michigan: Three things to know

  • Dickinson leads the Wolverines in scoring (14.2 points per game) and rebounding (7.6 rebounds per game). Isaiah Livers leads the squad with a team-high 2.2 made three-pointers per game.
  • The 76.8 points per game the Wolverines put up are 8.5 more points than the Bruins allow (68.3).
  • Michigan has an 18-0 record against the spread and a 21-0 record overall when putting up more than 68.3 points.

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UCLA: Three things to know

  • Johnny Juzang leads the Bruins scoring 15.0 points per game. Juzang paces the squad with a team-high 2.0 made three-pointers per game.
  • The Bruins score eight more points per game (73.6) than the Wolverines allow (65.6).
  • UCLA has put together a 13-0 ATS record and a 17-5 overall record in games where it scores more than 65.6 points.

UCLA at Michigan: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Michigan 74, UCLA 68

Money line

The Michigan Wolverines are the favorites to win this game according to both the model and BetMGM’s money line.

Against the spread (ATS)

The model favors the Wolverines by 6 points, just Under the 6.5-point spread set by BetMGM.

Over/Under (O/U)

The BetMGM point total for this game is just 6 points lower than the model projection.

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USC at Gonzaga NCAA Tournament Elite 8 Odds, Picks and Prediction

An Elite 8 battle features the No. 1 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (26-0) and the No. 6 seed USC Trojans (22-7) squaring off with a spot in the Final Four on the line

An Elite 8 battle features the No. 1 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (26-0) and the No. 6 seed USC Trojans (22-7) squaring off with a spot in the Final Four on the line on Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Gonzaga is a 8.5-point favorite in the NCAA Tournament West Region bracket final, which begins at 7:15 PM ET on TBS.

In their last game, the Bulldogs picked up a 83-65 win over Creighton and covered the 12.5-point spread they were favored by . The teams hit the under on the 159 point total set by oddsmakers. Drew Timme racked up a team-high 22 points in the victory on Sunday.

Isaiah White led the way for the Trojans with a team-high 22 points last time out as they picked up a 82-68 win over Oregon and covered the 2-point spread as favorites. The teams combined to go over the 139 point total set for the matchup.

USC at Gonzaga: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list.
Lines last updated at 6 PM ET on March 30, 2021.

  • Money line: USC +333 (bet $100 to win $333) | Gonzaga -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: USC +8.5 (-110) | Gonzaga -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 152 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Gonzaga: Three things to know

  • The Bulldogs scoring leader is Corey Kispert, who contributes 19.0 points per game. Kispert is the top three-point shooter for the team, knocking down 2.9 per game.
  • The Bulldogs put up 26.9 more points per game (91.8) than the Trojans give up (64.9).
  • Gonzaga is 29-0 overall and 15-0-2 against the spread when scoring more than 64.9 points.

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USC: Three things to know

  • Evan Mobley leads the Trojans in points and rebounds. He scores 16.3 points per game while also adding 8.8 rebounds.
  • The Trojans put up an average of 74.9 points per game, 6.3 more points than the 68.6 the Bulldogs give up to opponents.
  • In games when it scores more than 68.6 points, USC is 16-0-1 against the spread and 20-2 overall.

USC at Gonzaga: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Gonzaga 79, USC 71

Money line

BetMGM and the model both agree that the Gonzaga Bulldogs are the money line favorite in this game.

Against the spread (ATS)

The line for this game set by BetMGM and the model’s prediction are essentially the same (within 0.5 points of each other).

Over/Under (O/U)

The model predicts a total 2 points lower than the one set by BetMGM 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 / Penn State / 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: Michigan vs. UCLA odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Michigan Wolverines vs. UCLA Bruins odds and lines, with March Madness Elite 8 picks and predictions.

The top-seeded Michigan Wolverines (23-4) and the 11th-seeded UCLA Bruins (21-9) face off in an Elite 8 battle Tuesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:57 p.m. ET at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium (on TBS). Below, we analyze the Michigan-UCLA odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Despite losing senior F Isaiah Livers to a season-ending foot injury in their Big Ten Tournament opener, the Wolverines rolled to three impressive victories to earn their second Elite Eight berth since 2018.

They beat fourth-seeded Florida State 76-58 (Sunday in the Sweet 16 as 1.5-point favorites), No. 8 seed LSU 86-78 (second round as 4-point favorites), and No. 16 seed Texas Southern 82-66 (first round but failed to cover as 24.5-point favorites).

In the three wins, Big Ten Freshman of the Year C Hunter Dickinson averaged a team-best 14.0 points with 7.0 rebounds per game, while sophomore G Franz Wagner has been UM’s top rebounder with 8.7 RPG.

UCLA upset 7-point favorite and second-seeded Alabama 88-78 in overtime Sunday to advance to the program’s first Elite Eight since 2008. Barely making the NCAA Tournament as a First Four team, the Bruins had to play an extra tourney game.

They beat Michigan State 86-80 in overtime (First Four as 2.5-point underdogs), sixth-seeded BYU 73-62 (first round as 3.5-point dogs) and No. 14 seed Abilene Christian 67-47 (second round as 5.5-point favorites).

Sophomore Gs Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez Jr. have led the Bruins’ scoring attack in the tourney while averaging 20.0 and 16.8 PPG, respectively. Jaquez also has a team-high 6.8 RPG.

The winner advances to a Final Four matchup Saturday against Houston, which won the Midwest Region as a No. 2 seed.

Michigan vs. UCLA: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Michigan -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | UCLA +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Michigan -6.5 (-110) | UCLA +6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 134.5 (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!

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

Prediction

Michigan 72, UCLA 61

Money line (ML)

AVOID. Michigan’s ML price of -300 is not worth the risk.

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Against the spread (ATS)

MICHIGAN -6.5 (-110) is the way to go. Behind 7-foot-1 Dickinson and 6-9 Wagner, the Wolverines will prove too tall for the Bruins, whose tallest starter is 6-9 junior F Cody Riley. Michigan outrebounded its first three foes in the tourney 33.7 to 25.3.

The Wolverines are also the better shooting team. They’ve hit 50.3% from the field and 75.7% from the line during the tourney, while the Bruins are shooting 44.7% and 67.6%, respectively.

ATS records: Michigan 19-8 | UCLA 16-14

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 134.5 (-110) is worth a HALF-UNIT bet – based on the recent tournament trend, which is 3-7 O/U in the last 10 games.

All four of Saturday’s Sweet 16 games finished Under. Sunday’s contests went 2-2 O/U but would have been 1-3 had it not been for the UCLA-Alabama overtime game. Monday’s two Elite 8 matchups split 1-1 O/U.

Michigan’s defense also has allowed just 65.6 PPG across its 27 games, including tournament games where it held FSU to 58 points and Texas Southern to 66 points.

O/U records: Michigan 11-16 | UCLA 17-13

Note: There is no STRONGEST PLAY (1½ times your usual wager) on this card.

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 77-67-1 36-36 +4.575
2021 record (all sports) 97-81-1 48-39 +14.9
*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.

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Arkansas at Baylor NCAA Tournament Elite 8 Odds, Picks and Prediction

The No. 1 seed Baylor Bears (22-2) are 8-point favorites to earn a spot in the Final Four when they enter an NCAA Tournament Elite 8 contest against the No. 3 seed Arkansas Razorbacks (22-6)

The No. 1 seed Baylor Bears (22-2) are 8-point favorites to earn a spot in the Final Four when they enter an NCAA Tournament Elite 8 contest against the No. 3 seed Arkansas Razorbacks (22-6) to determine the winner of the South Region bracket on Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium, beginning at a time to be announced.

On Saturday, the Bears faced Villanova and emerged victorious, 62-51. The Bears were favored by 8.5 points and covered the spread while the teams combined to go under the 142 point total.

Jalen Tate led the way for the Razorbacks with a team-high 22 points last time out as they picked up a 72-70 win over Oral Roberts and failed to cover the 11.5-point spread as favorites. The teams combined to go under the 157 point total set for the matchup.

Arkansas at Baylor: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list.
Lines last updated  7:15 p.m. ET Monday.

  • Money line: Arkansas +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Baylor -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Arkansas +8 (-110) | Baylor -8 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 147.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Baylor: Three things to know

  • Jared Butler leads the Bears scoring 16.6 points per game. Butler leads the squad with a team-high 2.5 made three-pointers per game.
  • The Bears record 12.6 more points per game (83) than the Razorbacks give up (70.4).
  • Baylor has a 22-1 record overall and a 12-0-1 record against the spread when putting up more than 70.4 points.

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Arkansas: Three things to know

  • Moses Moody leads the Razorbacks scoring 17.0 points per game. Moody leads the squad with a team-high 1.9 made three-pointers per game.
  • The Razorbacks’ 81.7 points per game are 16.4 more points than the 65.3 the Bears give up.
  • In games when it puts up more than 65.3 points, Arkansas is 19-0 against the spread and 24-5 overall.

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

Prediction

Baylor 77, Arkansas 73

Money line

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

Against the spread (ATS)

The model favors the Bears by 4.2 points, fewer than the 8-point spread set by MGM.

Over/Under (O/U)

MGM and the model are extremely close in their point total projections for this game, with the model predicting the Over by a slight margin.

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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.

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

Previewing Tuesday’s Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. USC Trojans odds and lines, with March Madness Elite 8 picks and predictions.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs (29-0) take on the USC Trojans (25-7) in the West Region Elite 8 matchup Tuesday night. The top-seeded Bulldogs and sixth-seeded Trojans will tip off at 7:15 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Gonzaga-USC odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Gonzaga has scored 89.3 points per game while allowing just 63.7 PPG in its three NCAA Tournament contests. The Bulldogs shot a blistering 59.6% from the field in their Sunday win over Creighton. They have shot 55.5% over their last 10 games.

USC has confounded expectations in getting to the doorstep its first Final Four since 1954. The Trojans have also been a sharp-shooting bunch of late; they shot 57.4% in its Sunday win against Oregon and 57.1% the game before that, March 22 vs. Kansas. In three tourney wins, the Trojans have held foes to a 32.2% mark from the floor.

Gonzaga vs. USC: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 6:35 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Gonzaga -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | USC +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Gonzaga -9 (-110) | USC +9 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 153.5 (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!

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

Prediction

Gonzaga 81, USC 74

Money line (ML)

Peg the true odds as being lost in the high grass between -500 and +360.

PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Gonzaga can be had by a team that will effectively hit the offensive glass, get to the foul line and not get pushed into a shooting gallery performance with too many shots being launched from distance.

USC can answer the bell on a couple of those points but getting to the stripe enough is often problematic for the Men of Troy. The Bulldogs are not an elite team in defending near the rim and rarely play a team that can leverage that part of the game, let alone be patient enough to pull it off and/or not be chasing due to a 20-point deficit.

USC staying within two scores wouldn’t be a surprise. TAKE THE TROJANS +9 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

This is a clash in styles between the fast-tempo Bulldogs and slow-tempo Trojans. Both come out of leagues that fit their respective styles.

The USC offense has been efficient and it has been a while since it has had a clunker game from distance. The Over is 3-1-1 in the Trojans’ last five.

BACK THE OVER 153.5 (-110) in Tuesday’s Elite Eight contest.

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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Oregon State at Houston NCAA Tournament Elite 8 Odds, Picks and Prediction

An Elite 8 matchup features the No. 2 seed Houston Cougars (24-3) and the No. 12 seed Oregon State Beavers (17-12) playing with a place in the Final Four up for grabs on Monday

An Elite 8 matchup features the No. 2 seed Houston Cougars (24-3) and the No. 12 seed Oregon State Beavers (17-12) playing with a place in the Final Four up for grabs on Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Houston is a 8-point favorite in the NCAA Tournament Midwest Region bracket final, which starts at 7:15 PM ET on CBS.

On Saturday, the Cougars faced Syracuse and emerged victorious, 62-46. The Cougars were favored by 6.5 points and covered the spread while the teams combined to go under the 139.5 point total.

Ethan Thompson led the way for the Beavers with a team-high 22 points last time out as they picked up a 65-58 win over Loyola Chicago and covered the 7-point spread as underdogs. The teams combined to hit the under on the 125.5 point total set for the matchup.

Oregon State at Houston: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list.
Lines last updated at 6 p.m. ET March 29, 2021.

  • Money line: Oregon State +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Houston -400 (bet $400 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Oregon State +8 (-110) | Houston -8 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 128.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Houston: Three things to know

  • Quentin Grimes leads the Cougars in scoring, averaging 18.0 points per game. Grimes leads the squad with a team-high 3.4 made three-pointers per game.
  • The 76.9 points per game the Cougars score are 9.2 more points than the Beavers allow (67.7).
  • When Houston puts up more than 67.7 points, it is 22-1 overall and 17-0 against the spread.

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Oregon State: Three things to know

  • Thompson leads the Beavers in points and assists. He scores 15.8 points per game while adding 3.8 assists. Jarod Lucas averages 2.3 made threes per game to lead the team.
  • The Beavers put up an average of 70.8 points per game, 13.3 more points than the 57.5 the Cougars give up to opponents.
  • Oregon State has put together a 20-8 overall record and a 19-0-1 ATS record in games where it scores more than 57.5 points.

Oregon State at Houston: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Houston 74, Oregon State 62

Money line

BetMGM and the model are in agreement that the Houston Cougars are the money line favorite in this game.

Against the spread (ATS)

The MGM line for this game has the Cougars favored by 8, while the model predicts they’ll win by considerably more (12 points). Put your money on the Cougars.

Over/Under (O/U)

In this game, the model projects a total (136 points) slightly higher than the MGM over/under (128.5 points).

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

Previewing Monday’s Baylor vs. Arkansas odds and lines, with March Madness Elite 8 picks and predictions.

The 3-seed Arkansas Razorbacks (25-6) take on the 1-seed Baylor Bears (25-2) in a South Regional Elite 8 game Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:57 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Baylor-Arkansas odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Baylor stormed back from a 7-point deficit at the end of the first half of its Sweet 16 game vs. 5-seed Villanova to win 62-51 and cover the spread as a 7.5-point favorite.

Each of the Bears’ three NCAA Tournament victories has been by double digits but they’ve gone 2-1 against the spread. This is Baylor’s third Elite 8 appearance in head coach Scott Drew’s 18 seasons on the job.

The Razorbacks also climbed back from a 7-point first-half deficit to beat 15-seed Oral Roberts 72-70 in the Sweet 16. They couldn’t cover as monster 11.5-point favorites.

In head coach Eric Musselman’s second season, Arkansas has advanced to the Elite 8 for the first time since the Razorbacks lost in the National Final to UCLA in 1995.

Baylor vs. Arkansas: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Baylor -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | Arkansas +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Baylor -8 (-110) | Arkansas +8 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 148.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

Prediction

Baylor 75, Arkansas 71

Money line (ML)

PASS even though I like Arkansas to cover because Baylor has so many ways it can win and players who can create their own quality looks.

The Razorbacks’ path to victory is turning this game into a “rock fight” and getting the Bears into foul trouble.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Baylor’s offense pulled a no-show in the Sweet 16, sinking a season-low three 3-pointers against Villanova, whose 3-point defense is far worse than that of Arkansas.

The Bears got back into that game, and eventually won it, because of their insane ball pressure which forced ‘Nova miscues and led to easy buckets. Baylor won the turnover battle with Villanova 15-5 and is sixth in the nation in defensive turnover rate.

Villanova lost its leader and starting point guard Collin Gillespie to a knee injury in the regular season so it was easier for Baylor to ruffle Villanova’s feathers.

All-SEC first-team Arkansas PG Moses Moody is fifth in the conference in turnover rate and should stabilize the Razorbacks’ offense through turbulent stretches in this game.

Furthermore, I have trouble laying 8 points with Baylor when it’s only 292nd in FTA/FG rate and 265th in defensive rebounding percentage.

It would be easier for the Bears to create a margin if they were more aggressive at getting to the foul line and I could see the Razorbacks getting easy putbacks and second-chance points since Baylor is a bad defensive rebounding team.

BET ARKANSAS +8 (-110) for 1 unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

While it’s notable how poorly Baylor shot from three in the Sweet 16 because it has the highest 3-point shooting percentage in the nation, Arkansas made a season-low one 3-pointer in its Sweet 16 game.

The Razorbacks are 2-8 O/U in their previous 10 games and the Bears have gone Under the total in two of three NCAA Tournament games.

BET a half-unit on UNDER 148.5 (-110).

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March Madness: Houston vs. Oregon State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Houston Cougars vs. Oregon State Beavers odds and lines, with March Madness Elite Eight picks and predictions.

The second-seeded Houston Cougars (27-3) take on the 12th-seeded Oregon State Beavers (20-12) Monday in the Midwest Regional Final at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET on CBS. Below, we analyze the Houston-Oregon State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Cougars are in the Elite Eight for the first time since 1984 when Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon were wrapping up the Phi Slama Jamma era in Houston.

This Houston team is the first team to face a double-digit seed in each of its first four NCAA Tournament games, a historically favorable path to the Final Four if it wins Monday.

The Cougars are 2-1 against the spread (ATS) in the tourney. Houston topped Cleveland State by 29 and Syracuse by 16. Their only non-cover came in the second round against Rutgers, winning by just three.

Oregon State, which was a .500 team after 22 regular-season games, beat Tennessee, Oklahoma State and Loyola Chicago to crash into the Elite Eight.

The Beavers have covered six straight postseason games and 13 of their past 14 games overall. They’re 18-3-1 ATS across the past 22 games dating back to Jan. 16.

Houston vs. Oregon State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Houston -375 (bet $375 to win $100) | Oregon State +290 (bet $100 to win $290)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Houston -8 (-110) | Oregon State +8 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 129.5 (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!

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

Houston vs. Oregon State: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Houston 66, Oregon State 62

Money line (ML)

Houston (-375) will cost you nearly four times your potential return on investment. That’s just not a good long-term betting strategy, especially against a red-hot team that has proven capable of beating anybody.

PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

OREGON STATE +8 (-110) is on fire against the number. The Beavers are not going to win this one outright, but they will be able to keep it inside four buckets.

In the second round, the Cougars were fortunate to get by Rutgers, a team with a similar style to Oregon State. Senior G Ethan Thompson, sophomore G Jarod Lucas and junior F Warith Alatishe are a Big Three that will give Houston fits right to the final buzzer.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 129.5 (-110) is the play. The lockdown defense of Houston was on full display in its Sweet 16 game against Syracuse, as the Cougars allowed just 46 points.

Oregon State knows a little bit about defense, too, turning the tables on Loyola Chicago in a 65-58 win and Under (125.5) result Saturday. The Under is 2-1 in the NCAA Tournament for the Beavers, who have yielded just 61.3 points per game in the Big Dance.

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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