Charleston Cougars vs. San Diego State Aztecs odds predictions pick betting line spread

March Madness: Charleston vs. San Diego State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Charleston vs. San Diego State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 12-seed Charleston Cougars (31-3) face the 5-seed San Diego State Aztecs (27-6) Thursday in a first round South Region game in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from Amway Center in Orlando is scheduled for approximately 3:10 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Charleston vs. San Diego State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Cougars spent time in the Top 25 rankings at points during the regular season, and this team won the Colonial Athletic Association tournament. Charleston has ripped off 10 straight wins since Feb. 2.

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A lot of detractors of the Cougars look to a weak strength of schedule (SOS), as Charleston’s best win was against Kent State, its only win over a team in the NCAA Tournament field.

On the flip side, San Diego State picked up a win over an NCAA Tournament team in the Mountain West title game, topping Utah State 62-57. The Aztecs have 5 victories over NCAA Tournament teams, while playing Arkansas tough in an OT loss.

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Charleston vs. San Diego State odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 6:36 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Charleston +190 (bet $100 to win $180) | San Diego State -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Charleston +5.5 (-115) | San Diego State -5.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Charleston vs. San Diego State picks and predictions

Prediction

San Diego State 72, Charleston 68

Moneyline

San Diego State (-220) is a little on the expensive side, costing bettors more than 2 times the potential return. Charleston (+190) was able to win 31 games, and many bettors like the Cougars because of the 12-5 upset rule. In the NCAA Tournament, we’ve had a lot of 12-seed teams take down the 5-seed in recent years.

PASS.

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Against the spread

CHARLESTON +5.5 (-115) is worth a look, as the Cougars have the offense to hang with most anyone in the country. The Cougars racked up 81.7 PPG during the regular season while hitting 73.9% from the free-throw line. That’ll keep them in the game all the way.

I believe in the overall body of work of the San Diego State -5.5 (-105), however, and the Aztecs will survive and advance. In the end, the Aztecs have a tremendous defense, and will lock it down when it counts.

Over/Under

UNDER 141.5 (-110) is the lean, but go lightly, with a half-unit at best.

The Under is 3-0-1 in the last 4 games overall for the Cougars, as Charleston’s defense has been pretty good lately, too. Charleston has allowed 58 or fewer points in 3 of the last 4 outings.

San Diego State has hit the Under in 8 in a row, and it has allowed just 56.9 PPG across the impressive 8-game span.

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March Madness first-round can’t-miss parlay: Bank on this 3-teamer

Analyzing NCAA Tournament betting odds for the first round, with predictions and picks for the best parlay bet to make.

March Madness is the greatest time of year in sports. Nothing is better than watching games at work, as others pretend to work while doing the same. The only thing better? Making money while doing so.

After looking at the Tipico Sportsbook’s NCAA Tournament odds and lines, here is a can’t-miss first-round parlay among our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The first round is always exciting with upsets combined with blowouts. But which ones can we choose to make a winning parlay? This is what we are going to answer here. Let’s find those winners.

See Top 25: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

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NCAA Tournament first-round parlay

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 11:08 a.m. ET. All games times ET.

Leg 1: Missouri vs. Utah State OVER 155.5 (-105) – Thursday, 1:40 p.m.

Utah State averages 79.4 points per game on offense and the Missouri defense allows 74.8 PPG (310th in the nation). The Tigers allow opponents to 35.5% from 3-point range and the Aggies shooting 40%, good for 4th in the nation.

Missouri is also a capable offense averaging 80.1 points per game. Although the Tigers do not find the net as often when shooting the 3-point shot, averaging 36.2%, they also rely heavily on the shot.

This game will provide plenty of excitement and could be the highest-scoring game of the opening round. OVER 155.5 (-105) is a great way to start off the parlay.

Leg 2: CHARLESTON +5.5 (-115) vs. San Diego State – Friday, 3:10 p.m.

This is a popular upset pick in the first round. Charleston can run up and down the floor and has solid perimeter shooters while San Diego State can slow the game down with the best of them. The contrast in style will lead to a confusing game for both sides. But it will also lead to a close contest.

The Aztecs have a solid defense and the ability to shut down opponents which leads a lot of close games. With the ability of the Cougars to score, this will also help the game remain within single digits. This is a game that will not get out of hand and where 5.5 points is too much to wager.

The Aztecs may gain the 1st win for a Mountain West Conference team in the tournament since 2018, but it will not be covering the spread when it does so. Take the COUGARS +5.5 (-115) to cover for the 2nd leg of our parlay.

Leg 3: Houston vs. Northern Kentucky UNDER 122.5 (-115) – Thursday, 9:20 p.m.

Houston, with Marcus Sasser, has one of the best defenses in America. Ranking 2nd in the nation allowing only 56.5 points per game, the Cougars’ defense will be able to swallow up and spit out a Norse offense which ranks just 285th at 67.8 PPG.

Even if Sasser is held out of this game, the Houston offense will be able to control the pace and the Norse will provide no viable challenge to Houston.

The 122.5 is extremely low for any game. But with the elite Houston defense going up against an outmatched Northern Kentucky squad, there is a solid chance this game barely sniffs 100.

Parlay payout: Bet $10 to profit $58.24 (ticket pays $68.24).

Try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator.

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March Madness first-round, can’t-miss parlay: Bank on this Thursday 3-teamer

Analyzing NCAA Tournament betting odds for Thursday’s first round, with predictions and picks for the best parlay bet to make.

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It is the best time of year with March Madness finally upon us and the first round on Thursday should have some exciting basketball.

After looking at the Tipico Sportsbook’s NCAA Tournament odds and lines, here is a Thursday’s can’t-miss, first-round parlay among our expert college basketball picks and predictions.

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

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NCAA Tournament first-round parlay

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:36 a.m. ET. All game times ET; ML = moneyline.

Leg 1: FURMAN ML (+180) vs. Virginia – 12:40 p.m.

The Paladins have the perfect offensive scheme to bounce the No. 4 Cavaliers, and at this price, the odds will boost a parlay. Virginia was bounced from the ACC Tournament after scoring just 49 points against Duke. Its offense has been a problem all season long, and it has relied on its defensive tenacity.

Furman has the offensive firepower to give them issues. It ranks 8th in the nation at 82.1 points per game, 10th in 3-point attempts (27.3 PG) and 18th in 3-pointers made (9.4 PG). That style could be the perfect storm for an upset here, and in a parlay, it would be a huge win.

Leg 2: Charleston vs. San Diego State OVER 141.5 (-112) — 3:10 p.m.

The mid-major 3-point onslaught may continue here. Charleston ranks 9th in 3-pointers made per game (10). It went Over in 7 of its last 10 games to close out the regular season. The Cougars average 80.8 points per game to rank 14th in the nation in scoring.

While San Diego State has an aggressive defense, it averages 71.3 points per game, so it can score as well. SDSU was 7-4 O/U in non-conference games this season. Back the Over in your parlay.

Leg 3: Boise State vs. NORTHWESTERN ML (-125) — 7:35 p.m.

Northwestern is a far more tested side than Boise State. It has wins over tournament teams like No. 1-seed Purdue, 4-seed Indiana and 8-seed Iowa. It also won 3 of its last 5 Big Ten road games which is impressive.

Boise State’s non-conference schedule didn’t do it much favors, beating Texas A&M on Dec. 3. It split with SDSU, losing on the road by 20 and winning at home by 6. The Broncos also lost 3 of their last 4 road games to end the regular season. Back the more proven side in this parlay.

Parlay payout: Bet $10 to profit $85.40 (ticket pays $95.40).

Try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator.

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March Madness: Thursday’s best NCAA Tournament first-round upset picks and predictions

Analyzing NCAA Tournament betting odds for Thursday’s first round, with predictions and picks for the 4 best underdog bets.

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It is time. March Madness is here, and couple that along with the legalization of sports gambling in many states for their 1st NCAA Tournament, betting will be more prevalent than ever.

Below, we break down Tipico Sportsbook’s NCAA Tournament odds and lines and list Thursday’s best first-round upset bets to cash in on among SportbookWire’s expert college basketball picks and predictions.

The Thursday slate includes a pair of No. 1 seeds — the Kansas Jayhawks and Houston Cougars — taking the court.

See Top 25: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

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Thursday’s NCAA Tournament upset picks

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 8:01 a.m. ET. All game times ET.

CHARLESTON +5.5 (-115) vs. San Diego State – 3:10 p.m.

San Diego State thrived in the Mountain West, but against competitive teams earlier in the season, it didn’t do so well, losing by 17 to Arizona and 4 to Arkansas. The Aztecs also score via a number of players with 6 averaging more than 7 points per game.

The 28-3 Cougars are more top heavy with 2 players averaging 15 or more and 2 topping 12. The depth may not be there, but the scoring is, especially at a high percentage with their top playmakers hitting over 43% of their shots.

Charleston beat Virginia Tech, Davidson and Richmond in the early part of the season. It should compete and at least cover. Taking the 5.5 points is a smart play.

FURMAN +5.5 (-115) vs. Virginia – 12:40 p.m.

Furman ranks 8th in the nation in scoring, 21st in field goal percentage and 10th in 3-point FG attempts per game. It is going to run and gun, and the Cavaliers play the exact opposite style, sitting 280th in 3-point field goal attempts per game.

In March, being able to score, especially for these underdogs, is paramount, and Furman can do that. Virginia lost to high-octane offenses like North Carolina, Miami and Houston during the regular season. Expect it to struggle so back the dog here.

PENN STATE +2.5 (-102) vs. Texas A&M – 9:55 p.m.

The Nittany Lions have a potent offense, and they made their presence felt in the Big Ten Tournament, reaching the final and almost beating the No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers.

Penn State has covered 4 straight games and should be able to hold its own here. It took down tourney teams Indiana, Northwestern and Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament. Texas A&M, on the other hand, ended its tournament with a 19-point loss to No. 1 Alabama.

The Nittany Lions also rank 9th in the nation in 3-point shooting percentage (38.5%). It can hang with anyone with that on its side, and I would back it to cover here.

MISSOURI +1.5 (-108) vs. Utah State – 1:40 p.m.

No. 10 Utah State is favored over No. 7 Missouri. The Aggies don’t have many quality wins on the season. They didn’t have a great non-conference schedule and went 1-3 to San Diego State and Boise State this season.

Missouri, on the other hand, has wins over No. 4 Tennessee, No. 6 Kentucky, No. 9 Illinois, No. 6 Iowa State and many others. It also beat SEMO, which made the tournament. Ultimately, considering the schedule and the odds, back Missouri to beat Utah State as a slight underdog.

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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