Tag: March Madness betting odds lines picks predictions best bets

March Madness: Iowa vs. Oregon odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Oregon Ducks odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The No. 2 seed Iowa Hawkeyes (22-8) take on the No. 7 seed Oregon Ducks (21-6) Monday in a West Region second-round battle at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Iowa-Oregon odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Hawkeyes marched on past Grand Canyon in the first round, winning 86-74 while the underdog Antelopes covered the 13.5-point number. The Over (144) wasn’t a problem, as it cashed rather comfortably. Player of the Year candidate F Luka Garza was everything as advertised, going for 24 points and 6 rebounds while making 4 of his 5 3-pointer attempts in 33 minutes. Iowa enters this game on an 0-3-1 slide against the spread.

The Ducks advanced to the second round after Virginia Commonwealth was unable to participate in Round 1 due to COVID-19 protocols. Oregon was favored over VCU, and I think this team was seeded much lower than they should have been. Yes, the Ducks lost to rival Oregon State in the Pac-12 semifinals, but they are 6-1 straight up across their past seven games, and 5-1 ATS over their previous six outings. The Over is also on a 7-0 run for the Ducks.

Iowa vs. Oregon: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Iowa -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Oregon +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Iowa -5 (-110) | Oregon +5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 147 (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.

Iowa vs. Oregon: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Oregon 82, Iowa 80

Money line (ML)

OREGON (+180) is rested after what was essentially a first-round bye, and it has had plenty of time to right the ship after getting bumped by Oregon State in the Pac-12 tourney.

Ducks G Joe Weiskamp is quite an effective player in the backcourt but still, Iowa can be stopped if Garza can be stopped. The Hawkeyes defense is a little worrisome, as they allowed 72.1 points per game to rank just 228th in the nation, and they had awful perimeter defense (263rd in the country) with the opposition shooting 34.9% against them.

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Against the spread (ATS)

OREGON +5 (-110) is a good play catching more than two buckets. Iowa didn’t cover in the first round, and it is just 1-3-1 ATS across its past five games as a favorite. The Hawkeyes are also just 3-8 ATS in their previous 11 NCAA Tournament games.

The Ducks covered the spread in each of their past four games as an underdog in a neutral-site game, and they’re 5-0-1 ATS across their past six in the Big Dance. More recently, they’re 5-1 ATS in their past six games overall, and 7-3 ATS in their past 10 as underdogs.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 147 (-110) is worth slamming hard. Bettors are crushing books hitting the Over in Oregon games, going a perfect 7-0 in their past seven outings. The Over is also 8-1-2 in the past 11 neutral-site games for UO.

While the Under has trended lately for Iowa, the Hawkeyes hoisted up 85.0 PPG in the regular season to rank fourth in the nation, they’re the third-best 3-point shooting team in the country at 39.6% and the Over is 6-0 in Iowa’s past six NCAA Tournament contests.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: UCLA vs. Abilene Christian odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Abliene Christian Wildcats vs. UCLA Bruins odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The 11-seed UCLA Bruins (19-9) take on the 14-seed Abilene Christian Wildcats (24-4) Monday in the second round of the East Regional at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is set for 5:15 p.m. ET and the game is airing on TBS. Below, we analyze the Abilene Christian-UCLA odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

UCLA squeaked by Michigan State in a First Four overtime game Thursday and then cruised in a 73-62 win over BYU Saturday.

The Bruins are a slow-tempo five, but they run an efficient offense and have been shooting the ball well of late (49.4% field-goal mark since Feb. 18).

UCLA G Johnny Juzang has come on strong in the tournament; the 6-foot-6 talent has scored 50 points over UCLA’s two bracket games.

Abilene Christian upset Texas, 53-52, on Saturday. The Wildcats went into the tournament with a head of steam and on a five-game win streak.

Against the Longhorns, ACU extended that streak by forcing 22 turnovers and battling back from a nine-point second-half deficit.

UCLA vs Abilene Christian: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 3:14 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: UCLA -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Abilene Christian +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Against the spread/ATS: UCLA -4.5 (-110) | Abilene Christian +4.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 133 (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.

UCLA vs Abilene Christian: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

UCLA 70, Abilene Christian 64

Money line (ML)

UCLA has been trending the right way on the offensive glass, and that spells trouble for the Wildcats.

The Bruins also tend to fare well when getting a healthy dose of untimed and uncontested 15-footers; ACU does not rank well in free-throw avoidance. The Wildcats also don’t pose enough of a threat in the paint.

Peg the Bruins as a near-70% proposition in this spot. They are a lean at the current prices but hold out for a UCLA (-185) money line or PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Abilene getting steals and transition buckets is a concern, but the way the Bruins hung onto a three-score lead for most of the second half against BYU is compelling.

UCLA fits as a team whose late-season slide had them undervalued. BACK THE BRUINS -4.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 5-1 in UCLA’s last six games against teams playing winning at least 60% of their games. But this tag appears to account for the play styles and the bracket-action suppression of points in general.

STEER CLEAR.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: Florida State vs. Colorado odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Colorado Buffaloes vs. Florida State Seminoles odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The 5-seed Colorado Buffaloes (23-8) meet the 4-seed Florida State Seminoles (17-6) Monday in the second round of the East Regional at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET and will broadcast on TBS. Below, we analyze the Florida State-Colorado odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Florida State held off 13-seed UNC Greensboro Saturday for a 64-54 first-round win in a game closer than the final score indicates as the Spartans covered as 10.5-point underdogs.

However, the Seminoles won despite being outrebounded on the offensive glass 11-5, losing the turnover battle 15-10 and missing all nine 3-point shots.

The Buffaloes boat raced 12-seed Georgetown in the first round 96-73, easily covering as 9-point favorites.

Colorado was on fire, hitting 61% of its field goals (16-for-25 from behind the arc) and Buffaloes All-Pac-12 first team PG McKinley Wright IV notched a double-double with 12 points and 13 assists.

This is the third straight NCAA Tournament Florida State at least won its first-round game and just the second time Colorado has advanced to the second round of the Big Dance in coach Tad Boyle’s 11 seasons on the job.

Florida State vs. Colorado: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 5:50 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Florida State -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Colorado +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Florida State -1.5 (-110) | Colorado +1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 140.5 (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.

Florida State vs. Colorado: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Colorado 76, Florida State 70

Money line (ML)

PASS because it’s only 10 cents on the dollar more expensive to bet the Buffaloes getting 1.5 points rather than Colorado (+100).

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Against the spread (ATS)

The market hasn’t been a believer in No. 22 Colorado all season, and the Buffaloes continue to prove the market wrong.

Colorado has an 18-13 ATS record this season with a plus-3.1-point ATS margin, 3-1 ATS against ranked foes and 5-2 ATS vs. non-conference opponents with a plus-10.7-point ATS margin.

Also, Florida State’s resume looks a little less impressive now compared to before the NCAA Tournament whereas Colorado’s is more formidable.

For instance, three of the Seminoles’ four regular-season opponents that made the Big Dance were eliminated in the first round (all ACC teams).

While the Buffaloes’ victories over UCLA and USC look more impressive since both teams also advanced to the second round.

TAKE COLORADO +1.5 (-110) for 1.25 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN toward OVER 140.5 (-110) because Colorado’s offense is in rhythm. The Buffaloes have the highest free-throw percentage in the nation, and Florida State’s defense is ranked 298th in FTA/FG rate.

So even if Colorado has an off-shooting night, the Buffaloes can rack up easy points at the charity stripe.

Furthermore, Florida State’s offense should have a bounce-back shooting performance from the first-round game when the Seminoles bricked all their 3-point attempts.

BET OVER 140.5 (-110) for a half-unit.

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: Arkansas vs. Texas Tech odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Arkansas vs. Texas Tech odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The Arkansas Razorbacks (23-6) take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders (18-10) in a South Region Second Round game Sunday. The third-seeded Razorbacks and sixth-seeded Raiders will tip-off at 6:10 p.m. ET at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Arkansas-Texas Tech odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Arkansas brushed away Colgate 85-68 in its First Round contest. The Razorbacks enter Sunday’s tilt having won 10 of their last 11 games. Arkansas sports a fast-tempo style and a tremendous set of per-possession defensive stats.

Texas Tech also plays excellent defense (Big 12-leading 63.0 points per game allowed), but the Red Raiders play at a much slower tempo. TTU went to a regional final in 2018 and the national championship in 2019. The Raiders defeated Utah State 65-53 in their Friday tourney opener.

Arkansas vs. Texas Tech: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Arkansas +105 (bet $100 to win $105)  | Texas Tech -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Arkansas +1.5 (-110) | Texas Tech -1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 140.5 (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.

Arkansas vs. Texas Tech: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Arkansas 71, Texas Tech 66

Money line (ML)

Both sides defend well and both can block shots. TTU is especially effective in shutting down the transition game. Arkansas can better defend the area in and around the paint. There are some style clashes, however, that make for some leverage on the Razorbacks’ side of the ledger.

Texas Tech hasn’t found much success against other fives that deliver big-time defensive production. Against top Big-12 defensive teams Kansas, Oklahoma State, Texas, and Baylor (and throw in solid non-conference foe in Abilene Christian), the Raiders are a combined 1-7 ATS.

Sunday’s game is also a fast (UA)-vs.-slow (TTU) clash. Against the three fastest teams in the Big 12, the Raiders are 2-4 ATS. Against the four slowest SEC squads (plus methodical North Texas in the non-SEC slate), the Razorbacks are 4-1 ATS.

TAKE ARKANSAS (+105).

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on paying for the point-and-a-half with an ATS play. The UA money-line play is solid.

Over/Under (O/U)

Tournament Arkansas is a 3-0 proposition on the Under. And the Under is 6-2 in the Razorbacks’ last eight games. The tag here is a far cry lower than what UA usually gets, but the UNDER 140.5 (-110) is s small-to-moderate lean.

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: Illinois vs. Loyola Chicago odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Illinois vs. Loyola Chicago odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The Illinois Fighting Illini (24-6) take on the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (25-4) in a Midwest Region Second Round game Sunday. The top-seeded Illini and eighth-seeded Ramblers will tip-off at 12:10 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Illinois-Loyola Chicago odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Fighting Illini — ranked second in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports — were dominant in their First Round win over Drexel, taking an 18-point lead by halftime and never looking back. A stingy UI defense held DU to a 30.6% shooting mark. That type of defense is part of a trend: the Illini have won eight straight games; they’ve held foes to a 39.5% figure over that stretch.

The Ramblers downed Georgia Tech 71-60 in Friday’s Round 1 contest. Loyola drained 11 triples, its most in a single game since Dec. 27, and the Ramblers hauled down a season-best 12 offensive rebounds. Loyola has won seven games in a row and 18 of its last 19.

Illinois vs. Loyola Chicago: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Illinois -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Loyola Chicago +280 (bet $100 to win $280)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Illinois -7.5 (-110) | Loyola Chicago +7.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 133.5 (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.

Illinois vs. Loyola Chicago: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Illinois 69, Loyola Chicago 63

Money line (ML)

NO-GO here. Illinois is the more talented team, but from a value standpoint, a tag of +300-or-better on Loyola would be worth looking into.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Illinois is a solid lean up until about a 6 or 6.5-point threshold. In its last eight games as a 7-to-9-point favorite, the Fighting Illini are 3-4-1 ATS. Over their last three such games, they are 1-1-1 ATS.

PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

This Land-of-Lincoln match-up is a clash of pace, with Loyola playing a style short on possessions and Illinois playing at a faster tempo. Styles aside, both teams excel on the defensive end. Both rank in the top-10 in defensive-efficiency metrics and are tremendous on the defensive boards.

The Illini are accustomed to playing slow-paced teams in the Big Ten. In a combined nine games against the slowest Big Ten squads (Wisconsin, Maryland, Indiana, Purdue, Ohio State, Michigan), the Under has a 5-3-1 edge.

A game in the 120s is a distinct possibility. TAKE THE UNDER 133.5 (-110).

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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

Previewing Sunday’s Oklahoma State vs. Oregon State odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The fourth-seeded Oklahoma State Cowboys (21-8) are in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament taking on the 12th-seeded Oregon State Beavers (18-12) Sunday. Their game tips off at 9:40 p.m. ET at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Oklahoma State-Oregon State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Oklahoma State got its first tournament win since 2015 but it wasn’t without a little scare. They trailed 13th-seeded Liberty at halftime before going on a 20-9 run to start the second half. Sophomore G Avery Anderson III led Oklahoma State with a game-high 21 points and 7 rebounds and the Cowboys held Liberty to 37.5% shooting.

Oregon State upended fifth-seeded Tennessee 70-56 in the first round. Tennessee was 5-for-26 from 3-point range and shot only 33.3% from the field overall. Four players scored in double figures for the Beavers and senior G Ethan Thompson had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Oklahoma State vs. Oregon State: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Oklahoma State -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Oregon State +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Oklahoma State -5.5 (-110) | Oregon State +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 141 (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.

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

Prediction

Oklahoma State 75, Oregon State 71

Money line (ML)

Oklahoma State has only two losses in its last 11 games after surviving a first-round scare. Statistically, there is nothing about either team that stands out; however, of the 51 No. 12 seeds to win in the first round of the tournament, only 21 have made it to the Sweet 16.

Take OKLAHOMA STATE -250.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Oregon State has been the underdog all season. The Beavers were picked to finish last in the Pac-12 but ended up winning the conference tournament.

Both teams have been great at covering the spread. Oklahoma State covered the spread in nine of its last 10 games. Oregon State is 11-1 ATS in its last 12 contests. Oklahoma State is 1-6 ATS in its last seven against the Pac-12. Take OREGON STATE +5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Oklahoma State has scored at least 70 points in nine of its last 10 games and at least 80 in three of its last five.

Oregon State has scored at least 70 points in six of its last seven. Six of the last seven for the Beavers have also gone Over the projected total and seven of the last nine for the Cowboys have gone Over.

Take OVER 141 POINTS (-110).

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: Villanova vs. North Texas odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Villanova Wildcats vs. North Texas Mean Green odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The Villanova Wildcats (17-6) take on the North Texas Mean Green (18-9) in a South Region second-round game Sunday night. The fifth-seeded Wildcats and 13th-seeded Mean Green will tip off at 8:45 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Villanova-North Texas odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Villanova defeated Winthrop 73-63 in the first round Friday. Sophomore F Jeremiah Robinson-Earl scored 22 points and has 48 points in his last two games. The Wildcats had been on a downward trend since suffering some late-season injuries, dropping three of four games before the NCAA Tournament.

North Texas has played two overtime games in a row, winning both. The Mean Green upset fourth-seeded Purdue 78-69 in OT in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Friday. Prior to that victory, they needed an extra five minutes to knock off Western Kentucky 61-57 in the C-USA Tournament title game. Senior G Javion Hamlet has been feeling it for UNT. He scored 24 points against the Boilermakers and is averaging 20.1 PPG over his last eight contests.

Villanova vs. North Texas: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Villanova -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | North Texas +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Villanova -5.5 (-110) | North Texas +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 127.5 (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.

Villanova vs. North Texas: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Villanova 65, North Texas 57

Money line (ML)

The Wildcats’ chances to do well in the Big Dance took a big hit when senior G Collin Gillespie went down with a season-ending knee injury March 3. But after a week of preparation – and perhaps clearing some head space after recent struggles – Villanova was sharp in dispatching Winthrop.

PASS on the money line, but look to pounce on any price move south of +285.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Villanova is 3-0-1 ATS over its last four games against teams playing .600 ball or better.

The Wildcats can leverage better intermediate defense, better handles on the ball, and what figures to be a nice advantage in producing from the foul line.

This also fits as a fade of a trendy underdog. Take a shot with VILLANOVA -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Slow paces on both sides, and Villanova figures to chess-board the final five to seven minutes in a careful victory. Back the UNDER 127.5 (-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.

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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: Houston vs. Rutgers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Houston Cougars vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The second-seeded Houston Cougars (25-3) take on the 10th-seeded Rutgers Scarlet Knights (16-11) in a Midwest Region second-round game Sunday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium and will be aired on TBS. Below, we analyze the Houston-Rutgers odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

AAC Tournament champion Houston had no problem beating 15th-seeded Cleveland State 87-56 in the first round Friday. Junior G Quentin Grimes’ game-high 18 points led six Cougars in double figures as they won their eighth game in a row. The Cougars led 37-29 at the half and outscored the Vikings 50-27 in the second half to cover as 20.5-point favorites.

There is a concern regarding starting PG DeJon Jarreau, who played only 41 seconds after suffering a hip pointer. The senior averages 10.6 PPG, 4.2 APG and a team-high 1.4 SPG. Saturday, head coach Kelvin Sampson said that Jarreau is “gonna give it a go” for the second-round matchup.

Rutgers, in its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1991, defeated No. 7 seed Clemson 60-56 Friday. With the game tied at 55, senior G Geo Baker drilled a 3 with 3:48 remaining and hit a layup with 10 seconds to go to seal the win. Baker finished with 13 points as did senior G Jacob Young and junior G Caleb McConnell for the Scarlet Knights, who covered as 2.5-point favorites. Rutgers outrebounded the Tigers 41-32 behind 10 apiece from McConnell and junior C Myles Johnson.

Houston is ranked No. 6 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. Rutgers, which finished sixth in the Big Ten, was ranked as high as 14th earlier in the season.

The winner advances to a Sweet 16 matchup against either No. 3 seed West Virginia or 11th-seeded Syracuse, who also play Sunday.

Houston vs. Rutgers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Houston -400 (bet $400 to win $100) | Rutgers +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Houston -8 (-110) | Rutgers +8 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 131.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

Prediction

Houston 75, Rutgers 64

Money line (ML)

AVOID. Betting Houston (-400) will cost four times your potential profit, which is definitely not worth the risk.

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Against the spread (ATS)

HOUSTON -8 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. The Cougars can not only score, averaging 78.0 PPG, they feature the country’s No. 1 defense in opponents’ field-goal percentage at 37.1%. They limited Cleveland State, the MAC tourney champion, to 17-for-44 shooting from the field in Friday’s win. Houston also ranks second in points allowed at 57.8 PPG and fourth in opponents’ 3-point percentage at 27.8%.

Don’t worry if Jarreau can’t play or isn’t 100%. Houston managed just fine without him against Cleveland State.

ATS records: Houston 14-12-1 | Rutgers 19-8

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 131.5 (-110). The Cougars are averaging 83.4 PPG over their current 8-game win streak, while yielding 57.6 PPG.

When the Scarlet Knights faced the top-three scoring teams in the Big Ten, they allowed 79 and 77 in two games vs. Iowa, 90 and 88 points to Illinois, and 80 and 79 points to Ohio State.

O/U records: Houston 12-14-1 | Rutgers 14-13

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 71-63-1 32-35 +1.9.25
2021 record (all sports) 91-77-1 44-38 +12.25
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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March Madness: Florida vs. Oral Roberts odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Florida Gators vs. Oral Roberts Golden Eagles odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The No. 7 seed Florida Gators (15-9) take on the 15th-seeded Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (17-10) Sunday in a South Region second-round tilt at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Florida-Oral Roberts odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Gators needed overtime to get past Virginia Tech 75-70 in the first round, winning outright as 1.5-point underdogs as the Over (134.5) connected. The offensive production was the highest for Florida since an 85-point explosion in a win over West Virginia Jan. 30 in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge. Despite the cover against the Hokies, the Gators are still 1-4 ATS across the past five games overall.

The Golden Eagles pulled off a shocker over No. 2 seed Ohio State in the first round, stunning the Buckeyes 75-72 in overtime as 15-point underdogs with the Under (157) still cashing. ORU is on a six-game win streak, while covering each of the past five games. Sophomore G Max Abmas and junior F Kevin Obanor were the heroes for the Golden Eagles. Abmas finished with 29 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while draining 5 3-pointers. Obanor did him one better, dropping 30 points with 11 rebounds, while also adding 5 3-pointers.

Florida vs. Oral Roberts: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:16 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Florida -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Oral Roberts +333 (bet $100 to win $333)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Florida -8.5 (-110) | Oral Roberts +8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 148.5 (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.

Florida vs. Oral Roberts: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Florida 75, Oral Roberts 68

Money line (ML)

Florida (-450) will cost you four and a half times your potential return, and Oral Roberts (+333) proved it’s not a team the Gators should take lightly. An upset is definitely possible, even as unlikely as it seems for a 15 seed to make the Sweet Sixteen. PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

ORAL ROBERTS +8.5 (-110) has been on quite the run against the number lately, going 5-0 ATS in the past five overall, and 4-0 ATS in the previous four as an underdog. Florida has cashed just once in the past six games as a favorite, and are 1-5 ATS in the previous six against winning teams.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 148.5 (-110) is worth playing very lightly. Even with an overtime game, ORU hit the Under in their first-round upset of Ohio State. The Under is 4-0-1 in the past five games for Florida as a favorite, while going 7-2-1 in their past 10 games overall. The Under is also 10-4 in the past 14 for the Gators on a neutral court as favorites.

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: Baylor vs. Wisconsin odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Baylor Bears vs. Wisconsin Badgers odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The top-seeded Baylor Bears (23-2) take on the Wisconsin Badgers (18-12) in a South Region second-round game Sunday. The matinée battle between the Bears and ninth-seeded Badgers tips off at 2:40 p.m. ET at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Baylor-Wisconsin odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Baylor bolted past Hartford 79-55 in its first-round game. The Bears were sharp defensively, which was a concern for them entering this tournament after struggling down the stretch in the regular season. Senior G MaCio Teague knocked down four 3-pointers in scoring a game-high 22 points against Hartford. The Cincinnati native has averaged 24.5 points per game over his last four outings.

Wisconsin played perhaps its best game of the season in dismantling North Carolina 85-62 in the first round. The Badgers were 13-for-27 (48.1%) behind the 3-point arc in claiming their first victory of 20-plus points since Dec. 19. The senior backcourt tandem of G Brad Davison (29 points) and G D’Mitrik Trice (21) combined to net 50 points in the victory.

Baylor vs. Wisconsin: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:44 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Baylor -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Wisconsin +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Baylor -6.5 (-110) | Wisconsin +6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 136.5 (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.

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

Prediction

Baylor 72, Wisconsin 63

Money line (ML)

Baylor can struggle against teams that really bang the offensive glass. Wisconsin is not that type of team. The Bears are a definite lean, but a price north of -250 won’t bring enough value. PASS.

Play our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread (ATS)

The Badgers play an extreme slow-down style. Against plodding teams in the Big 12 (Texas Tech, TCU, Kansas State, Oklahoma), the Bears went 6-0 ATS.

Wisconsin is 0-6 ATS in follow-up games after its last six ATS wins. With a number under 7, the Badgers look to be getting a bit too much attention coming off what was a clicking-on-all-cylinders game. Like a thoroughbred coming off a race with an idyllic trip – overrated.

Both sides can bomb away from distance, but BU is much better on perimeter defense. The Bears can also get out and double up the Badgers in transition buckets.

BACK THE BEARS -6.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Was hoping for a 139-and-a-hook or something close. Gaming this one into the mid-130s makes sense. Respect to the public for being near the number. PASS.

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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