Tag: 2022 NCAA Tournament odds picks predictions best bets

March Madness: Final Four long shots worthy of NCAA Tournament futures bet

Assessing the NCAA Tournament futures betting odds, with the best long-shot predictions and picks to make the Final Four.

The “Big Dance” is finally here, and it’s time to dive into which teams could get hot and surprisingly make a Final Four run with the Round of 64 kicking off Thursday. Below, we look at 4 teams with decent value and their NCAA Tournament Final Four futures odds and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The last week of college basketball has been thrilling. With teams like Virginia Tech making runs to win its conference championship, fans have already been given a plethora of upsets.

However, nothing compares to that Cinderella story that may commence its run in just a few short days. Let’s dive into which teams have a chance to make their Final Four dreams a reality.

Final Four long-shot predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, March 15 at 10:53 a.m. ET.

Virginia Tech Hokies (+2000)

  • Bet $100 to win $2,000

The No. 24 nationally-ranked Hokies are one of the hottest teams in the nation, and sometimes, that’s all you need.

As fans saw against Duke, the Hokies have versatile big men mixed with elite sharpshooters. Their Kenpom ranking is 23. The only higher double-digit seed is San Francisco.

Tech may actually have to go through San Fran to reach the final four, but its region has the bubble No. 1 seed and then a No. 2 seed that’s reluctant to shoot threes.

VT has an adjusted offensive efficiency that ranks 18th in the nation per Kenpom. If they stay hot, watch out. The Hokies will play No. 6-seeded Texas Longhorns in the Round of 64.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

[tipico]

North Carolina (+2000)

  • Bet $100 to win $2,000

North Carolina, like Tech, has defeated No. 2 Duke recently. UNC is the No. 8 seed in the same region — the East. The Tar Heels will have Marquette in the first round. UNC beat Duke and Virginia Tech late in the season.

One key for UNC is its size. Led by 6-foot-10 C Armando Bacot so it’ll be able to hang with teams like Kentucky in the paint and also a tandem of quick guards in Caleb Love and Leaky Black.

UNC is Kenpom’s 29th-best team with a top-65 offense and defense. It has the talent, size, and shooting to make a run.

South Dakota State (+10000)

  • Bet $100 to win $10,000

Sure, it was in the Summit, but SDSU won every single conference game (18-0) and then its conference tourney en route to a 30-4 record.

SDSU is a 13 seed and will take on No. 4-seeded Providence. Providence is favored by just 1.5 points which sounds absurd for a 4 vs. 13 seed.

SDSU comes in at No. 71 on the Kenpom rankings, and the impressive part about its game is that it sits No. 12 in adjusted offensive efficiency. The Jackrabbits are going to be able to score at a high rate.

F Douglas Wilson has averaged over 16 points per game for three straight seasons. He’s the real deal and has shot 57.4% from the floor for the season.

The road is difficult with Iowa, Providence, Kansas and Wisconsin or Auburn in the way, but the value here is impeccable for a team as dominant and experienced as SDSU.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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March Madness: NCAA Tournament Midwest Region odds, picks and predictions

Looking at March Madness futures odds to win the Midwest Region in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

The Kansas Jayhawks are at the head of the class in the Midwest Region. The top-seeded Jayhawks and 15 rivals will get going Thursday in a bracket that lays out as more top-heavy than the others as far as money-line pricing to win the Midwest and get to the Final Four.

Below, we look at the NCAA Tournament Midwest Region futures odds and and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Profitable betting angles for this region feature a mix of chalk and underdogs. And while Kansas is a terrific team, it is a bit overpriced in current futures wagering. The likable chalk picks do no include Rock Chalk Jayhawk.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Midwest Region futures odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 12:10 a.m. ET.

1 seed: Kansas Jayhawks +162 (bet $100 to win $162)

2 seed: Auburn Tigers +220 (bet $100 to win $220)

3 seed: Wisconsin Badgers +900 (bet $100 to win $900)

4 seed: Providence Friars +1300 (bet $100 to win $1,300)

5 seed: Iowa Hawkeyes +350 (bet $100 to win $350)

6 seed: LSU Tigers +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)

7 seed: USC Trojans +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

8 seed: San Diego State +1300 (bet $100 to win $1,300)

9 seed: Creighton Bluejays +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

10 seed: Miami Hurricanes +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

11 seed: Iowa State Cyclones +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

12 seed: Richmond Spiders +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000)

13 seed: South Dakota State Jackrabbits +6000 (bet $100 to win $6,000)

14 seed: Colgate Raiders +8000 (bet $100 to win $8,000)

15 seed: Jacksonville State Gamecocks +10000  (bet $100 to win $10,000)

16 seed: Texas Southern +10000 or Texas A&M-Corpus Christi +10000

[tipico]

Midwest Region expert pick and prediction

Auburn Tigers (+220)

Auburn is coming off a clunker in the SEC title game, but the Tigers have played at a high level all season. AU has a decent path to the Elite Eight, and it will be defense that gets it there and beyond.

The Tigers have one of the best 2-point defenses in the nation. Auburn also plays at the quickest pace in this region, but is still takes care of the rock and sports a strong offensive rebounding game. That all makes for some value at the current tag.

Midwest Region contenders

Iowa Hawkeyes (+350)

The No. 3 seed is another fast team, but unlike Auburn is more of an offense-first squad. Iowa went on an impressive four-game run to win the Big Ten tourney. That the launch-a-lot Hawkeyes won despite shooting under 32% from 3-point range in two of those games speaks to how well they are performing in other areas.

Iowa’s defense has been a bit better of late, but the margins the team plays with because of turnover and rebounding plusses is where the Hawkeyes can make inroads in this bracket. Its play fast and make fewer mistakes than your opponent.

LSU Tigers (+1200)

Louisiana State hasn’t been to the Final Four since 2006, but head coach Will Wade took these Tigers to a regional semifinal in 2019. This team, like that one three years ago, excels on the offensive boards.

LSU is just 7-10 over its last 17 games, so detractors are not hard to find. But the way the young, athletic Tigers can pressure teams into mistakes, LSU can pull off an upset or two and get back to the Elite Eight. And maybe beyond.

Midwest Region long shot

San Diego State Aztecs (+1300)

The defensive slow-down game of the Aztecs is an outlier in this region. SDSU has grinded foes down to a 39.8% mark from the floor in going 11-2 since Feb. 6. And San Diego State defends just about every kind of shot on its side of the half-court logo. Opponents have found tough sledding in and around the paint, on mid-range jumpers, and from 3-point-land.

The road from the No. 8 slot is a bumpy one. The payoff is a just reward.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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March Madness: NCAA Tournament South Region odds, picks and predictions

Looking at March Madness futures odds to win the South Region in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

The Big Dance officially gets underway Tuesday as two of the First Four matchups take place in Dayton, Ohio.

Below, we look at the NCAA Tournament South Region futures odds and and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The South Region’s first-four battle pits two 16 seeds (Bryant and Wright State) playing for the right to take on No. 1 Arizona. Villanova was given the No. 2 seed, followed by Wisconsin, Illinois and Houston.

Colgate, which sits at No. 14, is getting the most buzz as a team that could upset a top-five seed. Most seem to believe No. 11 Michigan is primed to down No. 6 Colorado State as well.

That said, let’s get into who could represent the region in the Final Four.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

South Region futures odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 9:15 p.m. ET.

1 seed: Arizona Wildcats +140 (bet $100 to win $140)

2 seed: Villanova Wildcats +330 (bet $100 to win $330)

3 seed: Tennessee Volunteers +400 (bet $100 to win $400)

4 seed: Illinois Fighting Illini +550 (bet $100 to win $550)

5 seed: Houston Cougars +750 (bet $100 to win $750)

6 seed: Colorado State Rams +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)

7 seed: Ohio State Buckeyes +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

8 seed: Seton Hall Pirates +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

9 seed: TCU Horned Frogs +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

10 seed: Loyola Chicago Ramblers +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

11 seed: Michigan Wolverines +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500)

12 seed: UAB Blazers +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000)

13 seed: Chattanooga Mocs +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

14 seed: Longwood Lancers +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

15 seed: Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

16 seed: Bryant Bulldogs / Wright State Raiders +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

[tipico]

South Region expert pick and prediction

Tennessee Volunteers +400

Many are rightfully surprised that the Vols, who ran through the SEC Tournament, didn’t get even a two seed.

The Vols are led by freshman star G Kennedy Chandler, who averaged 13.8 points per game and stepped up his scoring in the SEC Tourney. The Vols defense is what will propel their Final Four aspirations.

Kenpom has them as the third-best defense in the NCAA. That was on full display in the SEC Tournament, and I expect that success to continue deeper into March.

South Region contenders

Arizona +140

Arizona is the favorite and deservedly so. They won the Pac-12 Tournament against a good UCLA team.

Tennessee did beat the Wildcats earlier in the season, but Arizona went 17-2 to end the season following that loss. G Bennedict Mathurin leads the Cats in scoring and is second in the Pac-12 with 17.4 points per game.

The Wildcats are that good and earned that top spot.

Houston Cougars +750

This region has not one, two or three, BUT four conference tournament winners.

Houston won the AAC over Memphis and the Cougars are Kenpom’s 4th-best team. They are one of two teams that sit top 12 in offensive and defensive efficiency (Gonzaga, the tournament’s top seed, is the other).

Houston lost to No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 6 Alabama by a combined 3 points earlier in the season as their two most-notable performances.

Villanova Wildcats +330

The fourth conference winner reigned supreme over the Big East.

Nova is the No. 2 seed and is certainly a contender. They wouldn’t be my pick as Nova has losses to Baylor, UCLA and Purdue among many others in conference play.

The Wildcats play at an ultra-slow pace and are led by fifth-year G Collin Gillespie who is averaging 15.9 points per game. Nova is just one of a handful of teams ranked top 30 in both offensive and defensive efficiency.

South Region long shot

Ohio State Buckeyes +2000

Ohio State is being picked as a popular upset team because people love Sister Jean and the Loyola Ramblers. However, Ohio State has been banged up and should get key versatile F Kyle Young back.

G Malaki Branham has scored 15 or more in 7 of his last 8 games. Star F E.J. Liddell sits third in the Big Ten in scoring at 19.6 per game and Young’s likely return should help them defensively.

OSU has wins over No. 2 Duke, No. 3 Wisconsin and No. 4 Illinois on its resume. The Buckeyes have a high ceiling and could be a good longshot to make the Final Four.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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March Madness: NCAA Tournament West Region odds, picks and predictions

Looking at March Madness futures odds to win the West Region in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

The Big Dance is almost underway. It is just days until the Round of 64 tips, and it’s primed to be an exciting few weeks with the West potentially being the most difficult of the four regions.

Below, we look at the NCAA Tournament West Region futures odds and and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The West will kick off Tuesday with Rutgers against Notre Dame, a matchup of two 11 seeds in which Notre Dame is a slight favorite. The winner will take on Alabama, the region’s No. 6 seed.

Gonzaga leads the region with Duke at No. 2 and Texas Tech at No. 3. No. 12 New Mexico State and No. 13 Vermont are teams to keep an eye on as well.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

West Region futures odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 8:34  p.m. ET.

1 seed: Gonzaga Bulldogs -200 (bet $200 to win $100)

2 seed: Duke Blue Devils +380 (bet $100 to win $380)

3 seed: Texas Tech Red Raiders +550 (bet $100 to win $550)

4 seed: Arkansas Razorbacks +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)

5 seed: Connecticut Huskies +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500)

6 seed: Alabama Crimson Tide +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

7 seed: Michigan State Spartans +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

8 seed: Boise State Broncos +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

9 seed: Memphis Tigers +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

10 seed: Davidson Wildcats +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000)

11 seed: Rutgers Scarlet Knights / Notre Dame Fighting Irish +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)

12 seed: New Mexico State Aggies +8000 (bet $100 to win $8,000)

13 seed: Vermont Catamounts +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

14 seed: Montana State Bobcats +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

15 seed: Cal State Fullerton Titans +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

16 seed: Georgia State Panthers +10000  (bet $100 to win $10,000)

[tipico]

West Region expert pick and prediction

Texas Tech Red Raiders +550

While we obviously aren’t playing a game-specific spread, the Red Raiders were a Big 12-best 9-2 against the spread (ATS) against ranked opponents. They are a physical bunch and play good teams close.

Kenpom has them ranked as the 9th-best team in the nation with the No. 1 adjusted defensive efficiency. They also have a top-20 strength of schedule, so this team is tested.

Tech held Big 12 opponents to a conference-low 39% from the field. Tech beat No. 1 Baylor twice and No. 1 Kansas once. The resume speaks for itself, and it should be able to defeat Duke and Gonzaga to reach the Final Four.

This value is the best in the region.

West Region contenders

Gonzaga Bulldogs (-200)

Gonzaga is the No. 1 team in the nation, and there’s no reason to doubt the Bulldogs’ potential success. They rank first in Kenpom’s offensive efficiency and 7th in defensive efficiency.

They are a very good team with veteran leadership in C Drew Timme. However, at -200, I wouldn’t play this value; nonetheless, they’re the region’s top contender.

Duke Blue Devils (+380)

Duke is one of 3 teams in the nation to have beaten Gonzaga. That was earlier in the season and the Blue Devils are coming off a demoralizing loss to Virginia Tech.

With Coach K’s last tournament soon to commence, the Blue Devils will go as far as F Paolo Banchero will take them.

Players like C Mark Williams and F A.J. Griffin have been too inconsistent. Duke has value here, but having to get through Tech and Gonzaga is relatively unlikely.

Arkansas Razorbacks (+1200)

Sometimes, all you need is your best player to get hot, and Arkansas may have the best player in the region with G JD Notae.

Notae ranked second in the SEC scoring 18.4 points per game. There should be concerns about his usage as the Razorbacks were destroyed in the SEC semifinals by Texas A&M and Notae had just 5 points.

He has to get hot and stay on fire for 18th-ranked Arkansas to have a chance. Nonetheless, there is a chance that happens and at +1200, it gives decent value.

I’d look to play a top-three seed or look further down in the seeding though.

West Region long shots

Michigan State Spartans (+3000)

Michigan State comes alive in March. Legendary coach Tom Izzo knows how to prepare his team, and whoever lines the court will give the Spartans a chance to succeed.

The Spartans will take on the Davidson Wildcats in the Round of 64. Then, they get the Duke Blue Devils.

The Spartans have wins over No. 3 Wisconsin, No. 3 Purdue, No. 7 Ohio State (who beat Duke earlier in the season), and No. 5 UConn. The resume is there, and if they get hot, watch out.

Vermont Catamounts (+7000)

Vermont is going to take on Arkansas in the first round. The Catamounts beat UMBC, the No. 2 seed in the America East Conference tournament, by 29. They were 28-5 on the season.

Vermont has a top 75 offense and defense per Kenpom.

Vermont’s main issue will be its size. It has just 1 player over 6-foot-8 and none over 6-foot-10. It does, however, have experience with 2 seniors averaging over 16 points per game.

It has been great all season, and making the Sweet 16 is not crazy for a team as talented as Vermont. It’s March, and it’s a skilled program. Anything can happen.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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March Madness: NCAA Tournament East Region odds, picks and predictions

Looking at March Madness futures odds to win the East Region in the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

The East Region features No. 1-seed Baylor and several blue-blood programs, and that mix figures to offer up an interesting 15-game slate. Below, we look at the NCAA Tournament East Region futures odds and and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

This bracket is highlighted by the Baylor Bears, Kentucky Wildcats, and Purdue Boilermakers — all three were ranked in last week’s national top-10. But Baylor is a bit banged up; they head into March Madness with the longest title odds (+1200) of the four top seeds. Some chaos can be expected.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

East Region futures odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 7:20 p.m. ET.

1 seed: Baylor +250 (bet $100 to win $250)

2 seed: Kentucky +150 (bet $100 to win $150)

3 seed: Purdue +300 (bet $100 to win $300)

4 seed: UCLA +350 (bet $100 to win $350)

5 seed: St. Mary’s +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

6 seed: Texas +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000)

7 seed: Murray State +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

8 seed: North Carolina +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

9 seed: Marquette +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)

10 seed: San Francisco +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

11 seed: Virginia Tech +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500)

12 seed: Wyoming +8000 or Indiana +3000

13 seed: Akron +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

14 seed: Yale +8000 (bet $100 to win $8,000)

15 seed: St. Peter’s +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

16 seed: Norfolk State +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

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East Region expert pick and prediction

Purdue Boilermakers (+300)

The 3-3 mark in the team’s last six games will scare off some. But the Big Ten title game was not terribly meaningful, and the Boilermakers were undone by too many turnovers and a 5-of-20 mark from beyond the arc. The other two losses were in close road games.

Purdue is a tremendous shooting team and one that can distribute quality looks all over the floor, inside and out. With just about anyone they play in this region, the Boilermakers should have an edge in rebounding and free throws attempted. Mix in a fair price and Purdue could be on a victory train that makes its way to New Orleans.

East Region contenders

UCLA Bruins (+350)

A balanced team at both ends. Over the last couple months, the Bruins have developed a big expected edge in turnovers. Distance shooting has fallen off, but the talent and opportunity make for a decent price on the return.

If Baylor is indeed a gettable favorite, UCLA’s slot in the bracket is an enviable one. The Bruins have slowed their pace of play quite a bit over recent weeks. They could be the against-the-grain candidate here, and their efficient performance on offense and defense makes them dangerous.

St. Mary’s Gaels (+2000)

Seven of the team’s last nine games have come against Gonzaga (three), and talented San Francisco and Santa Clara. And SMC defeated Gonzaga on Feb. 26.

Some of the peripherals like rebounding and free-throw frequency don’t figure as plusses against other top contenders. But an efficient game at the Gaels’ turtle pace could make for a big Elite Eight or Sweet 16 triumph.

Kentucky Wildcats (+150)

Entering this just as a line-watch caveat. This bracket is set up for Kentucky to make some hay from the 2-hole. Amid the chaos, tremendous offensive rebounding and not being over-reliant on 3-pointers may serve the Wildcats quite well.

The pure across-the-board analytics over the last two months peg UK as the best team in this region. Will want to circle back to the odds and take a crack at a price over +180.

East Region long shot

Murray State Racers (+3000)

This selection deserves a mental copy-and-paste from the St. Mary’s entry above. Peg the Ohio Valley Conference as the the junior Gaels in many respects. And here, you get the longer price.

Murray State enters the tournament on an 18-game winning streak. The Racers are a very good rebounding team and one that may be a bit positive-regression due in the 3-point shooting department. They are in the bottom half of the East Region 16, and those slots could be land mines on many a bracket.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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