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March Madness: Purdue vs. UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Purdue vs. UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Purdue Boilermakers (34-4) and UConn Huskies (36-3) meet in Monday’s National Championship Game. Tip-off from State Farm Arena in Glendale, Ariz., is slated for 9:20 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Purdue vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 1 seed out of the Midwest Region, the Purdue Boilermakers, rolled off 5 consecutive wins and covers in the NCAA Tournament. They topped 16th-seeded Grambling 78-50 in the 1st round as 27-point favorites with the Under (137.5) cashing. They walloped 8th-seeded Utah State 106-67 in the 2nd round as 11.5-point favorites with the Over (150.5) hitting, and they ousted No. 5 seed Gonzaga 80-68 in the Sweet 16 as 4.5-point favorites as the Under (155.5) connected.

Purdue saved its best basketball for the Elite 8 and Final Four, though, really applying the defense against No. 2 seed Tennessee in the quarterfinals and 11th-seeded NC State in the semis. The Boilers were 3-point favorites in a 72-66 win vs. the Volunteers as the Under (148) hit, and they beat the Wolfpack 63-50 in a defensive battle to cover as 9.5-point favorites with the Under (147) coming in, helping them advance to the title game.

Just a season ago, the Boilermakers became the 2nd team in NCAA Tourney history — joining Virginia — to lose in the 1st round as a No. 16 seed, getting upset by Fairleigh Dickinson. Virginia lost to No. 16 seed UMBC in 2018, but the next season, the Cavaliers used that loss as motivation, rolling to the national title in 2019. Purdue is looking to do the same.

The defending champs from UConn, the No. 1 team in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, stand in its way — Purdue is ranked 3rd.

Championship Game: Purdue-UConn best prop bets

UConn is a perfect 8-0 in the postseason — ACC and NCAA Tournaments — while going 7-1 against the spread (ATS) in those games. Like Purdue, it is also 5-0 straight up (SU) and ATS in the NCAA Tourney.

The Huskies won 91-52 against 16th-seeded Stetson in the opening round, covering as 27.5-point favorites as the Under (146) cashed. They dumped 9th-seeded Northwestern 75-58 as 13-point favorites with the Under (137) hitting. They belted No. 5 seed San Diego State in a national title game rematch in the Sweet 16, claiming an 82-52 victory to easily cover as 12-point favorites as the Under (136.5) cashed.

In the Elite 8, 3rd-seeded Illinois was no match for UConn, as the Huskies covered an 8-point spread in a 77-52 win as the Under (154.5) again hit. In Saturday’s semifinal, UConn belted No. 4 seed Alabama 86-72 as a 10-point favorite and the Under (160.5) connected.

Purdue vs. UConn odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 6:32 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Purdue +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | UConn -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread: Purdue +6.5 (-105) | UConn -6.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Purdue vs. UConn and predictions

Prediction

UConn 75, Purdue 67

Moneyline

UConn (-275) will cost 2.75 times the potential return. That’s way too expensive for not enough reward. While the Huskies have won 12 consecutive games, including 8 in the postseason, since getting cracked at Creighton by 19 points Feb. 20 — an 85-66 loss — you can’t bet this much for such a small return.

PASS and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

UCONN -6.5 (-115) is a good play, although it’s a big number for the title game.

As mentioned, Purdue is also 5-0 SU and ATS in the NCAA Tournament, and C Zach Edey will be a handful for the Huskies to contain. However, while he is a special player, and guards Lance Jones and Fletcher Loyer will give the Boilers nice perimeter shooting, UConn is much deeper and well-balanced with a top-notch and experienced starting 5.

The fact UConn was in the title game last season, the lights will be a little less bright, and it should be able to navigate the waters a little more effectively if and when those waters get a little choppy.

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Over/Under

UNDER 145.5 (-110) is the best play on the board. It opened at 146.5, but didn’t stay there too long.

Both of these teams pride themselves on defense. UConn has allowed 58 or fewer points in 5 of the past 6 games dating back to the Big East Championship Game, and it has cashed the Under in all 6 of those games, while going low in 9 of the past 10 outings.

Purdue hasn’t been quite a good defensively, but it has allowed 68 or fewer points in all 5 NCAA Tournament games, and the Under is 4-1 in those outings.

UConn should be able to dent Purdue for a few more than its tournament average, but don’t look for this to be an up-tempo, high-scoring affair. It will be a grind.

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Women’s NCAA Championship Game: Iowa vs. South Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Iowa vs. South Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Iowa Hawkeyes (34-4) and South Carolina Gamecocks (37-0) meet Sunday in the National Championship Game of the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland is slated for 3 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Iowa vs. South Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

It will be a rematch of a 2023 semifinal as a pair of No. 1 seeds clash in Cleveland.

Iowa advanced after a 71-69 win against No. 3 seed UConn Friday. Things got off to a slow start, but the Hawkeyes came on late. However, there was a controversial offensive foul on the Huskies with 3.9 seconds left with them trailing 70-69. Iowa got the ball back and it hung on for the win, although a late G Caitlin Clark missed free throw helped UConn grab the cover as a 2.5-point underdog.

The Hawkeyes shot just 45.8% (27-of-59) from the field, and just 28.0% (7-of-25) from behind the 3-point line, while turning it over 16 times. Iowa finished with a 37-to-29 rebounding margin as G Sydney Affolter, Clark and G Kate Martin combined for 24 of those boards. Meanwhile, it was F Hannah Stuelke who led the team with 23 points as Clark scored 21 points while struggling from behind the 3-point line (3-for-11).

Iowa has managed a 2-3 against the spread (ATS) mark in its 5 NCAA Tournament games, while the Under holds a slight 3-2 edge.

South Carolina rolled to a 78-59 semifinal win over 11th-seeded NC State Friday. The Gamecocks actually led just 32-31 at halftime, but the Gamecocks used a 29-6 run in the 3rd quarter to pull away for the win and cover as 11.5-point favorites, while the Under (139.5) hung on.

The Gamecocks were led by C Kamilla Cardoso, who went for a game-high 22 points with 11 rebounds and 2 blocked shots, while shooting an efficient 10-of-12 from the field. G Raven Johnson chipped in with 13 points, while G Te-Hina Paopao ended up with 10 points and a team-best 6 assists.

Like Iowa, South Carolina is 2-3 ATS in the Tournament, while the Under is 4-1 in the 5 outings.

South Carolina is No. 1 and Iowa is No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Iowa vs. South Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 6:08 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Iowa +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | South Carolina -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread: Iowa +6.5 (-110) | South Carolina -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 159.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Iowa vs. South Carolina and predictions

Prediction

South Carolina 81, Iowa 76

Moneyline

South Carolina (-275) will cost 2.75 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward.

The unbeaten Gamecocks should get the job done in this revenge game after being bounced by the Hawkeyes last season in the Final Four, but I’m not willing and can’t suggest backing a -275 favorite in any sport.

However, expect Iowa (+220) to put up a good fight. This should be an epic cap for one of the most memorable seasons in women’s basketball history.

AVOID a moneyline play unless you’re willing to take a chance with Clark and the Hawkeyes.

Against the spread

IOWA +6.5 (-110) is worth backing, catching more than 3 buckets. Clark and Co. will be a tremendous test for unbeaten South Carolina.

Iowa stunned South Carolina last season 77-73 in the Final Four in Dallas, snapping a 42-game win streak for the Gamecocks. Clark scored 41 points to set a Final Four record, and you can bet she’ll be front and center for the Hawkeyes Sunday, especially after an ugly shooting performance in the semifinal against UConn.

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Over/Under

UNDER 159.5 (-110) is the lean in this title game.

The Under has cashed in 4 of 5 NCAA Tournament games for South Carolina, while cashing in 3 of 5 outings for Iowa. The total almost went low in the UConn game, too, but a late free throw by Clark flipped the total in favor of the Over by a half-point.

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March Madness: NC State vs. Purdue odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s NC State vs. Purdue odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The NC State Wolfpack (26-14) and Purdue Boilermakers (33-4) meet in a national semifinal in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament Saturday. Tip-off from State Farm Arena in Glendale, Ariz., is slated for 6:09 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the NC State vs. Purdue odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 11th-seeded Wolfpack have rattled off 9 straight victories in the postseason, while covering 7 of the previous 8 outings. They are a perfect 7-0 against the spread (ATS) in 7 games as underdogs in the postseason — 3-0 ATS in the NCAA Tournament and 4-0 ATS in the ACC Tourney.

NC State dumped rival Duke 76-64 in the Elite 8. The Wolfpack were 7-point underdogs and the Under (142) cashed. The Under is 3-1 in the Pack’s 3 NCAA Tournament games with the lone exception an overtime victory over 14th-seeded Oakland in the 2nd round, the only game NC State has been favored in the tourney. Had there not been overtime in that game, the Under would have cashed there, too.

Purdue, the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region, covered all 4 of its NCAA Tourney games. The most difficult test came in the Elite 8 when Purdue defeated 2nd-seeded Tennessee 72-66. The Boilermakers were 3-point favorites vs. the Vols as the Under (148) connected. Otherwise, Purdue has won each of its first 3 Tourney games by 12 or more points with the Under going 3-1.

UConn (35-3), the No. 1 team in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, will face 18th-ranked Alabama (25-11) in the other semifinal — scheduled to tip at 8:49 p.m. ET (TBS) or 30 minutes after unranked NC State and No. 3 Purdue conclude.

NC State vs. Purdue odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:39 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): NC State +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | Purdue -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread: NC State +9.5 (-115) | Purdue -9.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 146.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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NC State vs. Purdue and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 76, NC State 69

Moneyline

Purdue (-450) will cost 4½ times your potential return. That’s not smart sport gambling, just too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

On the flip side, NC State (+350) is an awfully tempting play as hot as it has been. However, the Wolfpack haven’t faced a player the caliber of Boilermakers C Zach Edey. It will be interesting to watch Edey and NC State C DJ Burns Jr. banging down low.

Meanwhile, AVOID a moneyline play and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

NC STATE +9.5 (-115) is worth playing as we’re nearly catching double-digit points. The Wolfpack should be able to keep it within single digits, even if their improbable run comes to an end Saturday night in suburban Phoenix.

Purdue is just 2-5 ATS in the past 7 games as a favorite of 10 or fewer points, although those 2 covers have come in the previous 2 outings, NCAA Tourney wins against Tennessee and 5th-seeded Gonzaga in the Sweet 16.

Still, tread lightly.

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Over/Under

UNDER 146.5 (-110) is the lean. Go with a half-unit play at most.

The Under has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games for the Boilermakers, and the total has gone low in 3 of the past 4 outings for the Wolfpack, too.

The defense has reigned supreme in the NCAA Tournament for both of these sides, but the Over dominated for both sides during the regular season, particularly Purdue, so be careful. The Boilers are 23-14 O/U on the season, while the Pack are 22-17-1 O/U.

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March Madness: Alabama vs. UConn odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Alabama vs. UConn odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Alabama Crimson Tide (25-11) battle the UConn Huskies (35-3) Saturday in the Final Four at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:49 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Alabama vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Alabama, a 4-seed, advanced to its first Final Four in program history after knocking off 6th-seeded Clemson 89-83 in the Elite 8 March 30, covering as a 3-point favorite. G Mark Sears scored a game-high 23 points and was 7-for-14 from 3, while F Nick Pringle recorded a double-double (16 points, 11 rebounds). The Crimson Tide shot 46.8% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc.

UConn, a No. 1 seed, finds itself in back-to-back Final Fours after dominating 3rd-seeded Illinois 77-52 in the Elite 8 March 30. The Huskies covered as 8-point favorites. C Donovan Clingan scored a game-high 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double. G Cam Spencer also had a double-double with 11 points and 12 boards. The Huskies shot 51.7% from the field but just 17.6% (3-for-17) behind the 3-point line.

UConn is No. 1 and Alabama is No. 18 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Third-ranked and top-seeded Purdue (33-4) faces unranked and No. 11 seed NC State (26-14) in the first semifinal at 6:09 p.m. ET (TBS).

Alabama vs. UConn odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:33 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Alabama +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | UConn –750 (bet $-750 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Alabama +11.5 (-105) | UConn -11.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 161.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Alabama vs. UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 81, Alabama 68

Moneyline

PASS.

There is no value betting on UConn (-750) as one would have to risk 7½ times the potential return.

The Huskies have won 11 games in a row and 25 of their last 26. They’ve won each of their 4 NCAA Tournament games by 17 points or more for an average win margin of 27.8 points per game.

Against the spread

LEAN UCONN -11.5 (-115).

The Crimson Tide have covered in each of their 4 Tourney games, including one as 4.5-point underdogs in an 89-87 upset of top-seeded North Carolina.

However, their defense has been a liability. They’ve allowed 82 or more points in 3 of the 4 games and 81 or more points in 9 of their last 10.

On the contrary, the Huskies defense is one of their top strengths. It has allowed them to not only win each of their Tournament games but to win them in blowout fashion. They have covered in each of their 4 Tourney games with 3 of the covers being as 12-point or more favorites.

Understandably, this is a high line for a Final Four game, but it is worth a small wager to back the defending national champs.

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Over/Under

BET UNDER 161.5 (-115).

While Alabama tends to score at a high rate, it faces a UConn team that has hit the Under in 5 straight and 8 of its last 9. The Huskies have held opponents to 58 or fewer points in each of its 4 Tournament games and 67 or fewer points in 9 of their last 10 games overall.

The Crimson Tide tend to play at a high pace, but the pace Saturday will be controlled by UConn, which will ultimately lead to the Under hitting.

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Women’s NCAA Tournament: UConn vs. Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s UConn vs. Iowa odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The UConn Huskies (33-5) and Iowa Hawkeyes (33-4) meet Friday at the Final Four in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland is slated for approximately 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UConn vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 3rd-seeded Huskies will face the No. 1 seed Hawkeyes with a spot in the national championship hanging in the balance.

UConn beat 14th-seeded Jackson State 86-64 in the 1st round but came nowhere near covering as a 35.5-point favorites with the Over (135.5) connecting. Star G Paige Bueckers went for 28 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. In the 2nd round, UConn eased by No. 6 seed Syracuse 72-64, but the Orange easily covered as 19.5-point underdogs and the Under (144.5) cashed.

In the Sweet 16, UConn grinded out a low-scoring 53-45 win vs. No. 7 seed Duke, but again, the Huskies failed to cover. This time as 8.5-point favorites, and the Under (126.5) was never in doubt.

The Huskies followed by topping top-seeded USC and freshman phenom F Juju Watkins 80-73 in the Elite 8. UConn covered as a 3.5-point favorite and the Over (135.5) comfortably cashed. Bueckers went for 28 points and 10 boards in that victory. She is averaging 28.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 5.0 APG with 3.3 SPG and 1.5 BPG in 4 NCAA Tournament outings.

As for Iowa, the Hawkeyes topped 16th-seeded Holy Cross in the opening round 91-65, but they just missed cashing as 38.5-point favorites and the Under (157.5) came through.

In G Caitlin Clark‘s final home game in Iowa City, No. 8 seed West Virginia gave the scoring champ and the Hawkeyes all they could handle. In a contest that was tied with 2:15 to go, Iowa pulled away for a 64-54 victory and didn’t cover as 14.5-point favorites with the Under (163.5) hitting.

After moving on to Albany for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8, Iowa put together a complete game against 5th-seeded Colorado, rolling to an 89-68 win as a 7.5-point favorite as the Under (157.5) won by a hook.

In the highly anticipated 2023 national title rematch, Iowa eliminated 3rd-seeded LSU with a 94-87 thriller in the Elite 8. Clark dropped 41 points with 12 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot in 40 minutes, while knocking down 9 3-pointers as Iowa covered as a slight 1.5-point favorite. The Over (168.5) was never in question.

UConn vs. Iowa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): UConn +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Iowa -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread: UConn +2.5 (-105) | Iowa -2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 162.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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UConn vs. Iowa and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 78, UConn 74

Moneyline

Iowa (-155) is a solid play as a moderate moneyline favorite, if you just want to choose a winner without fiddling around the points.

Clark and the Hawkeyes are on a collision course with unbeaten South Carolina, and the TV ratings will likely be through the roof. Clark and the Hawkeyes will do their part to give the people what they want.

In this case, I’m willing to lay the points with the spread below and AVOID a moneyline wager.

Against the spread

IOWA -2.5 (-115) is a good play laying the small amount of points. Clark won’t be able to do it all herself, and she’ll need G Kate Martin, G Sydney Affolter or someone else to step up and give the Hawkeyes solid secondary or tertiary scoring.

UConn has made a tremendous run to the Final Four, and this is a team with a bright future, as usual. But the time is now for Clark and the Hawkeyes, and they should get it done together.

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Over/Under

UNDER 162.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board.

The Over-Under has split in 4 NCAA Tournament games for UConn, while the Under is 3-1 for Iowa in this tourney.

The Hawkeyes went off in the first quarter against LSU, and Clark was unconscious from behind the 3-point line all night. You can expect UConn will apply a lot more pressure along the perimeter, trying to make life more difficult for Clark and company than LSU did behind the arc.

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Women’s NCAA Tournament: NC State vs. South Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s NC State vs. South Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The NC State Wolfpack (31-6) and South Carolina Gamecocks (36-0) meet in a Friday semifinal at the Final Four in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland is slated for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the NC State vs. South Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 3rd-seeded Wolfpack meet the top overall seed Gamecocks with a trip to the national title game on the line.

NC State won 64-45 in the 1st round against 14th-seeded Chattanooga at Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, but the Wolfpack failed to cover as 25.5-point favorites as the Under (120.5) cashed. In the 2nd round, also at Reynolds, the Wolfpack pushed past the Tennessee Lady Vols 79-72, covering as 5.5-point favorites with the Over (140.5) connecting.

The Wolfpack were underdogs against 2nd-seeded Stanford in the Sweet 16 in Portland, but NC State won 77-67 as a 4.5-point underdog as the Over (134.5) cashed for a 2nd straight outing. NC State then bumped off a No. 1 seed in the Regional Final, topping Texas 76-66 as a 5.5-point underdog, cashing the Over (136.5) for the 3rd consecutive contest.

NC State is 20-17 against the spread (ATS) in games with a line this season, and it is 2-0 ATS in 2 games as an underdog of 5.5 points or more. The Over has a slight 19-18 edge.

For South Carolina, it paddled 16th-seed Presbyterian 91-39 in the opening round, even with C Kamilla Cardoso out due to suspension. The Gamecocks didn’t cover the huge 54.5-point line and the Under (130.5) hit. In the 2nd round, North Carolina provided very little resistance as South Carolina rolled 88-41 to cover as a 22-point favorites, as the Under (135.5) hit again.

In the Sweet 16, 4th-seeded Indiana came to play, and South Carolina narrowly escaped with a 79-75 win. Cardoso had 22 points and 7 rebounds, but Carolina came nowhere near covering as a 16.5-point favorite and the Over (143.5) cashed. In the Elite 8 round, South Carolina dispatched No. 3 seed Oregon State 70-58, but again, the Gamecocks failed to cover as 15.5-point favorites as the Under (134.5) hit.

South Carolina has obviously been dominant this season, but it is just 15-17 ATS games with a line, while the Over has a slight 17-16 edge when a total was offered.

NC State vs. South Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:57 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): NC State +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | South Carolina -800 (bet $800 to win $100)
Against the spread: NC State +11.5 (-110) | South Carolina -11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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NC State vs. South Carolina and predictions

Prediction

South Carolina 74, NC State 67

Moneyline

South Carolina (-800) will cost 8 times the potential return. While the Gamecocks are unbeaten, there is no way to justify risking that much for such a small return.

NC State (+550) has already shown an ability to bump off a No. 1 seed, ousting Texas, and it sent No. 2 Stanford packing, too. Coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks will certainly have their hands full with C River Baldwin, G Aziaha James and the upstart Wolfpack.

AVOID.

Against the spread

NC STATE +11.5 (-110) is a strong play catching double digits in this national semifinal.

South Carolina, while certainly dominant in the win-loss column, is just 1-3 ATS in this tournament. Meanwhile, State has covered 3 straight, including the past 2 outright wins as an underdog.

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Over/Under

OVER 139.5 (-110) is the lean and worth a half-unit play at most.

The total has gone high in 3 straight games for the Wolfpack, while the Over has cashed just once in 4 NCAA Tournament games for the Gamecocks.

Still, we should see enough offenses from both sides to push this one just across the finish line for an Over.

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NIT Final: Indiana State vs. Seton Hall odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Indiana State vs. Seton Hall odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Indiana State Sycamores (32-6) and Seton Hall Pirates (24-12) meet Thursday in the NIT Final. Tip-off from Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is slated for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN/ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Indiana State vs. Seton Hall odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Sycamores belted Utah 100-90 Tuesday in an NIT semifinal in Indianapolis, covering as 4.5-point favorites as the Over (161.5) cashed. Fan favorite C Robbie Avila — with his creative nicknames of “Cream Abdul Jabbar” and “Larry Nerd” — posted 26 points with 10 rebounds, 3 assists and a block, while hitting 11-of-14 from the field. G Ryan Conwell ended up with 27 points, while draining 4 triples.

While Indiana State is 2-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last 3 games, Seton Hall is 3-0 ATS in its last 3. The Pirates advanced here with an 84-67 win over Georgia in their Tuesday semifinal at Hinkle. The Pirates covered as 5.5-point favorites and the Over (146) cashed.

This should come down to Indiana State’s offense vs. Seton Hall’s defense.

The Sycamores averaged 90.5 points per game in their 4 NIT contests; the Pirates yielded 66.3 PPG in their 4 NIT victories — the first win was an overtime victory over Saint Joseph’s.

Seton Hall hit 47.1% (32-of-68) from the field against Georgia, while knocking down 40.0% (8-of-20) from behind the 3-point line.

Indiana State hit 56.9% (37-of-65) from the field, including 35.3% (12-of-34) from behind the arc.

Seton Hall hasn’t covered in 4 straight games at any point this season.

Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Indiana State vs. Seton Hall odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:52 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Indiana State -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Seton Hall +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread: Indiana State -2.5 (-115) | Seton Hall +2.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 159.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Indiana State vs. Seton Hall and predictions

Prediction

Indiana State 85, Seton Hall 80

Moneyline

PASS.

Unless you don’t want to lay 2.5 points on the Indiana State spread, you can lay the -155 juice here with the Sycamores.

Against the spread

INDIANA STATE -2.5 (-115) is a decent play to get the job done by at least a trey.

The Sycamores are on fire offensively, going for 75 or more points in all 7 postseason games, and 11 straight games dating back to the regular season. If this team is hitting their shots, Indiana State is hard to beat, especially in front of a raucous crowd.

Indianapolis is just a little over an hour from the Sycamores’ campus in Terre Haute. Just like the semifinal, it will be a pro-Indiana State crowd at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

The Sycamores are a solid 5-2 ATS in 7 postseason games, and they have won 3 of the past 4 games by 9 or more points.

Seton Hall (+125) has been a good play in this tournament. Just like the Sycamores, the Pirates have played hard, looking to make a statement after getting snubbed for the NCAA Tournament.

The difference here will be proximity to campus for Indiana State, and the crowd will spur on the Sycamores.

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Over/Under

OVER 159.5 (-110) is the way to go.

The Sycamores have posted 5 Over results in the past 6 outings, while the Pirates have hit the Over in the past 2 games. Seton Hall has averaged 87.5 PPG in the past 2 outings, while allowing 67.5 PPG. Look for plenty of offense in this battle for the trophy.

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NIT semifinal: Georgia vs. Seton Hall odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Georgia vs. Seton Hall odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Georgia Bulldogs (20-16) and Seton Hall Pirates (23-12) meet Tuesday in an NIT Semifinal. Tip-off from Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is slated for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Georgia vs. Sethon Hall odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Bulldogs have caught fire in the postseason, winning 3 straight in the NIT, and 4 of 5 outings. Georgia has covered the spread 7 games in a row, including covered in all 5 postseason games — 2 in the SEC Tournament and 3 straight in the NIT.

Georgia is averaging 76.3 points per game (PPG) in the NIT, although the Over cashed only in the most recent game at Ohio State March 26.

The Pirates were sour about being snubbed by the NCAA Tournament committee. Instead of pouting, Seton Hall is making a statement, winning 3 in a row since getting shown the door by St. John’s in its 1st Big East Tournament game.

Seton Hall pounded UNLV 91-68 as a 6.5-point home favorite in an NIT quarterfinal Wednesday, cashing the Over (143.5). However, Seton Hall is still just 3-5 against the spread (ATS) in the past 8 games with the Over going 5-3.

Utah and Indiana State are playing in the other NIT semifinal — scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN).

Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Georgia vs. Seton Hall odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:39 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Georgia +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Seton Hall -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Against the spread: Georgia +4.5 (-110) | Seton Hall -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Georgia vs. Seton Hall and predictions

Prediction

Seton Hall 75, Georgia 73

Moneyline

Seton Hall (-210) will cost 2.1 times the potential return. That’s way too much risk for not enough reward for a singular bet. However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to include the Pirates in a multi-team parlay or a bonus bet with a boost.

PASS.

Against the spread

GEORGIA +4.5 (-110) is worth a play catching the points. Georgia has been hot, including a surprising outright win at Ohio State as an 8.5-point underdog.

Seton Hall is on a mission, and it appears it’s on a collision course with fellow NCAA Tournament snub Indiana State for the NIT crown. However, the Pirates are just 2-2 ATS in the postseason, and 1-3 ATS in 4 neutral-site games. Look for UGA to keep it close.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Over/Under

OVER 145.5 (-105) is worth playing lightly.

The Over has split in 4 postseason games for the Pirates, but there is a slight 8-5 edge to the Over in the previous 13 contests.

For the Bulldogs, the Over-Under has split 2-2 in the past 4 postseason games. The Dawgs have hit 72 or more points in 4 straight games, while allowing 76 or more points in 3 of the previous 4 outings.

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NIT semifinal: Utah vs. Indiana State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Utah vs. Indiana State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Utah Utes (22-14) and Indiana State Sycamores (31-6) meet Tuesday in an NIT semifinal. Tip-off from Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis is slated for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Utah vs. Indiana State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Utes have rattled off 3 straight wins and covers in the NIT since getting knocked out of the Pac-12 Tournament by Colorado on March 14. The Utes have averaged 83.0 points per game (PPG) in 3 NIT contests, while cashing the Over in 2 of those outings.

The Sycamores have won 3 in a row since getting bumped in the Missouri Valley Conference final against Drake on March 10. The Indiana State offense has been fire in the NIT, going for 87.3 PPG in 3 games, while going 2-1 against the spread (ATS). The Over is 4-1 in the past 5 postseason outings, too.

Georgia and Seton Hall will play in the other NIT semifinal — scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).

Rankings: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Utah vs. Indiana State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 11:16 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Utah +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Indiana State -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
Against the spread: Utah +3.5 (-110) | Indiana State -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 163.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Utah vs. Indiana State and predictions

Prediction

Indiana State 86, Utah 81

Moneyline

INDIANA STATE (-175) will cost you, but it isn’t priced out of line if you just want to play the winner and you don’t want to fiddle around with the points.

The Sycamores have ripped off 5 wins in 6 outings in the postseason, while posting 9 victories in the past 10 outings since Feb. 21.

Utah (+145), on the other hand, is just 8-9 in the past 17 games despite the run to the NIT semis.

Against the spread

INDIANA STATE -3.5 (-110) is worth a look as it tries to advance to the NIT title game despite the fact Utah +3.5 (-110) has been red-hot against the number. The Utes have cashed at a 4-1 ATS pace in the postseason, while going 7-2 ATS in the past 9 games since Feb. 29.

However, the Sycamores are a solid 4-2 ATS in 6 games in the postseason, and this team has posted 9 wins in the past 10 outings. As a single-digit favorite, Indiana State is 9-5 ATS in the past 14 instances.

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Over/Under

OVER 163.5 (-110) is the lean in this NIT semifinal matchup.

The total has gone high in 4 of the past 5 games for Indiana State, while going 6-3 in the past 9 outings since Feb. 24. The Sycamores were one of the most prolific offenses in the nation, going for 84.5 PPG, while hitting at a 50.4% pace from the field, and 38.4% from behind the 3-point line.

Indiana State doesn’t leave many points on the floor, either, cashing in at a 79.7% pace from the free-throw line, for which Over bettors are thankful. And the defense is just so-so, conceding 72.0 PPG.

For Utah, it is hitting at a 78.3 PPG clip this season, and it is a respectable 46.6% from the field, and 35.8% from three. But the Utes are horrific at the free-throw line, cashing in at just a 65.0% clip, so that’s a concern. Defensively, they’re not very good, allowing 73.2 PPG, and teams hit triples at a 34.2% pace, which was in the bottom third in the nation.

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Women’s NCAA Tournament: LSU vs. Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s LSU vs. Iowa odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The LSU Lady Tigers (31-5) and Iowa Hawkeyes (32-4) meet Monday in Elite 8 action in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y., is slated for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the LSU vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 3rd-seeded Tigers meet the 1st-seeded Hawkeyes in the Regional 2 Final for a trip to the Final Four in Cleveland. More importantly, this should be a rating’s bonanza, with F Angel Reese and the defending champion Tigers taking on record-setter G Caitlin Clark and the national runner-up Hawkeyes.

LSU has played better as the NCAA Tournament has moved along. It opened with an uninspiring 10-point win over 14th-seeded Rice in the 1st round in Baton Rouge, never threatening to cover the 28.5-point number as the Under (146.5) easily covered.

In the 2nd round, the Tigers downed 11th-seeded Middle Tennessee 83-56, covering as 16.5-point favorites, again hitting the Under (141.5). They played their best game of the tourney against 2nd-seeded UCLA in Albany Saturday, winning 78-69 to cover as 3.5-point favorites as the Over (144.5) just came through.

For the Hawkeyes, they topped 16th-seeded Holy Cross 91-65 in the opening round but just missed the cover as 38.5-point favorites in Iowa City with the Under (157.5) cashing. In Round 2, Iowa held off a charge from 8th-seeded West Virginia, winning 64-54, but again, Iowa failed to cover — this time as a 14.5-point favorite as the Under (163.5) again came in.

In a Sweet 16 matchup in Albany against 5th-seeded Colorado, the Hawkeyes played their most complete game of the tournament, cashing as 7.5-point favorites with the Under (157.5) hitting.

When these teams met last season in the championship game, LSU won 102-85 as a 3.5-point underdog — cashing as a +125 dog on the moneyline — and the Over (159.5) easily cashed.

Clark scored 30 for Iowa in last season’s title game, while hitting 8 triples. The Hawkeyes shot 50.0% from the field, and 46.7% behind the arc, but they turned the ball over 16 times and were outrebounded 37-26. LSU was led by G Jasmine Carson, who scored 22 off the bench, hitting 5 of the team’s 11 3-pointers in her final college game. Reese had a double-double, scoring 15 points with 10 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals and a blocked shot.

LSU is No. 6 and Iowa is No. 2 in USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

LSU vs. Iowa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): LSU +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Iowa -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread: LSU +1.5 (+100) | Iowa -1.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 168.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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LSU vs. Iowa and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 83, LSU 77

Moneyline

IOWA (-135) is worth playing in this highly-anticipated rematch. This is going to be a titanic contest for the women’s game, regardless of which team comes out on top. The TV ratings should be through the roof.

As far as the result, the Hawkeyes have played well in this tournament, played their best game against Colorado last time out.

Against the spread

IOWA -1.5 (-120) is slightly cheaper laying the bucket. Unless you strongly feel the Hawkeyes are going to win, but only by a point, this is a better option than the moneyline.

LSU was tremendous against UCLA, but something has been missing in this tournament. The Tigers just haven’t looked like a dominant team capable of winning it all.

Bank on Clark to get the job done in Albany, evening the score against the Tigers and Reese — after last season’s title-game loss — while the Hawkeyes advance to Cleveland with much bigger fish to fry.

Stream select live college basketball games and full replays: Get ESPN+

Over/Under

UNDER 168.5 (-110) is worth a look in this Elite 8 showdown.

The Tigers have cashed the Under in 2 of the past 3 NCAA Tournament games, while the Hawkeyes have ended up going low in all 3 of their games in the tourney. We had a high-scoring game last season in the national championship, but this season these teams have not been nearly as prolific on offense in the tournament.

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