Category: spreads and picks

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.

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Additional college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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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

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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

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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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)

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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

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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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:

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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).

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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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:

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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.

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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: Oregon State vs. Loyola Chicago odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Oregon State vs. Loyola Chicago odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The No. 12 seed Oregon State Beavers (19-12) take on the No. 8 seed Loyola Chicago Ramblers (26-4) Saturday in a Midwest Region Sweet 16 contest at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:40 p.m. ET on CBS. Below, we analyze the Oregon State-Loyola Chicago odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Beavers have been underdogs in all five of their postseason games to date, and they have won all five games outright. The Pac-12 Tournament champions sure picked the right time to get hot. They have scored 70 or more points in each of the five outings since losing 80-67 to Oregon in the regular-season finale March 7.

Overall they’re 12-1 ATS across their past 13 games, and they’re also 15-3 ATS across their past 18 as underdogs, too.

The Ramblers have certainly made 101-year-old Sister Jean proud, rattling off victories against Georgia Tech and Illinois to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16. Of course, the Sister had her Ramblers heading into this round and beyond on her bracket.

Loyola scored 71 points in each of its NCAA Tournament games so far while allowing 60 to Georgia Tech in the first round, and 58 against No. 1-seeded Illinois last time out. C Cameron Krutwig has been a man among boys to date, going for 15.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.6 SPG and 1.2 BPG in five postseason outings.

Oregon State vs. Loyola Chicago: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Oregon State +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Loyola Chicago -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Oregon State +6.5 (-110) | Loyola Chicago -6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 125.5 (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!

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Oregon State vs. Loyola Chicago: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Loyola Chicago 63, Oregon State 57

Money line (ML)

Loyola Chicago (-300) will cost you three times your potential return, and that’s not a good long-term betting strategy. It’s not a good short-term strategy in the NCAA Tournament, either, as we have witnessed numerous upsets thus far.

This year’s Sweet 16 features the lowest average seed of any year since the tourney expanded to 64 teams back in 1985.

PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

OREGON STATE +6.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly, although it might require a backdoor cover in the final ticks.

The Beavers have been red-hot against the number, but Loyola Chicago is no slouch, either, going 5-0 ATS across five postseason games.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 125.5 (-110) is the way to go, although it is likely to be rather tight. The Under is 6-3 in the past nine games for the Ramblers, which should come as no surprise since they have the nation’s best scoring defense at just 55.7 PPG allowed.

The Ramblers are more like the Amblers on the offensive end, going low and slow. They’re a good shooting team, but they average just 71.6 PPG to check-in 174th in the country.

Oregon State has been on an Over run lately, going 7-1 across its past eight games, but the Beavers haven’t played a lockdown defense like Loyola’s.

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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Michigan vs. Florida State odds: Wolverines favored in Sweet 16

Previewing Sunday’s Michigan Wolverines vs. Florida State Seminoles odds and lines for their March Madness Sweet 16 matchup.

We are through two rounds of the NCAA Tournament and the Michigan Wolverines (22-4) are one of three top-seeded teams remaining. They will next face the fourth-seeded Florida State Seminoles (18-6) in the Sweet 16. Their game is Sunday at 5 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Below, we’re taking an early look at the March Madness Sweet 16 Michigan-Florida State odds and lines. Don’t forget to check out all of the remaining teams’ March Madness odds, and check back later in the week for our full Sweet 16 breakdowns, picks and predictions.

Michigan has been in control in this tournament. It took care of 16th-seeded Texas Southern 82-66 in the first round and made it to the Sweet 16 by defeating eighth-seeded LSU 86-78 Monday behind senior G Eli Brooks’ 21 points and 7 assists.

Michigan was led this season by freshman C Hunter Dickinson‘s 14.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The Wolverines shot the 3-pointer at a 38.6% clip, which was 12th-best in the country.

Florida State picked up a first-round win by defeating 13th-seeded UNC-Greensboro 64-54. They followed that up with a 71-53 win over Colorado, holding them to 35.7% shooting. On the season, Florida State held opponents to only 40.0% shooting overall, ranking 23rd in the nation.

PLAY: Did you know we now have a free, daily pick’em game?

Michigan vs. Florida State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Michigan -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Florida State +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Florida State +3 (-110) | Michigan -3 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 145 (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.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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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Gonzaga vs. Creighton odds: Bulldogs heavily favored in Sweet 16

Previewing Sunday’s Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Creighton Bluejays odds and lines during their March Madness Sweet 16 matchup.

The No. 5 seed Creighton Bluejays (22-8) take on the top-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs (28-0) Sunday at 2:10 p.m. ET in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Below, we’re taking an early look at the March Madness Sweet 16 Creighton-Gonzaga odds and lines. Don’t forget to check out all of the remaining teams’ March Madness odds, and check back later in the week for our full Sweet 16 breakdowns, picks and predictions.

Creighton fell to Georgetown in the Big East championship game but won back-to-back games against UC Santa Barbara and Ohio to begin this tournament. The Bluejays have won five of their last six games, but they haven’t faced a test like the one Gonzaga will present Sunday. Although they won convincingly against Ohio in Round 2, they only snuck by 12th-seeded UC Santa Barbara by one point in the first round.

Gonzaga is unquestionably the best team in the tournament and has been the best team all year. The Bulldogs beat Norfolk State by 43 points and Oklahoma by 16 in the first two rounds. Their average margin of victory this season is 23.6 points, leading the nation with an average of 92.1 points scored per game. They’re also first in field-goal percentage, third in assists per game and eighth in free throws made per game.

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Gonzaga vs. Creighton: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Gonzaga -1250 (bet $1,250 to win $100) | Creighton +725 (bet $100 to win $725)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Gonzaga -13.5 (-110) | Creighton +13.5 (-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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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Alabama vs. UCLA odds: Crimson Tide slight favorites in Sweet 16

Previewing Sunday’s Alabama vs. UCLA odds and lines during their March Madness Sweet 16 matchup.

The 11-seed UCLA Bruins (20-9) meet the 2-seed Alabama Crimson Tide (26-6) at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis Sunday for a 7:15 p.m. ET tip-off on TBS in the East Region.

Below, we’re taking an early look at the March Madness Sweet 16 UCLA-Alabama odds and lines. Don’t forget to check out all of the remaining teams’ March Madness odds, and check back later in the week for our full Sweet 16 breakdowns, picks and predictions.

The Bruins finished the regular season on a three-game losing skid, and they lost in the opening game of the Pac-12 tourney. Not much was expected from them, as they were forced to play their way in from the First Four.

They snuck by Michigan State 86-80 in overtime Thursday as 2.5-point underdogs. They were once again underdogs in the first round, and they managed to keep BYU at a distance all evening to win 73-62 as 3.5-point dogs. Monday night, they took care of upstart Abilene Christian by a 67-47 count, easily covering a 5.5-point number.

Alabama, the SEC regular-season and tournament champ, pushed past Rick Pitino’s scrappy Iona squad in the first round, but failed to cover the 17-point spread. The Crimson Tide didn’t have much trouble against Maryland in the second round and powered past the Terps with 96 points, their most since a 115-point explosion against Georgia Feb. 13. Alabama has won both of its NCAA Tournament games by an average of 16.0 points per game.

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Alabama vs. UCLA: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Alabama -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | UCLA +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Alabama -5.5 (-110) | UCLA +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 143.5 (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.

Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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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Baylor vs. Villanova odds: Bears favored in Sweet 16 battle

Previewing Saturday’s Baylor Bears vs. Villanova Wildcats odds and lines for their March Madness Sweet 16 matchup.

The Villanova Wildcats (18-6) take on the Baylor Bears (24-2) in an NCAA South Region semifinal Saturday evening. The fifth-seeded Wildcats and top-seeded Bears are scheduled for a 5:15 p.m. ET tip-off at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Below, we’re taking an early look at the March Madness Sweet 16 Villanova-Baylor odds and lines. Don’t forget to check out all of the remaining teams’ March Madness odds, and check back later in the week for our full Sweet 16 breakdowns, picks and predictions.

Villanova came into the tournament having lost three of its last four games in the regular season and Big East 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, tying a season-high for most treys made.

Defensively, Villanova is playing some of its 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.

VU 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.

Baylor is No. 3 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. The high-scoring Bears (83.8 points per game, fourth NCAA) won their first 18 games this season. They fell to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament, but they’ve coasted to two wins over Hartford and Wisconsin in this tournament.

The Bears are first in the nation in 3-point accuracy (41.5%). Among the group of teams remaining, BU’s defense is below average. Baylor creates a lot of turnovers (37 through two tourney games) which fuels a solid transition game. The Bears are 3-6 against the spread in their last nine games. The Over is 8-2 in their last 10.

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Baylor vs. Villanova: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 8:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Baylor -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Villanova +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Baylor -6.5 (-110) | Villanova +6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 139 (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.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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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