Tag: March Madness betting odds lines picks predictions best bets

March Madness: West Virginia vs. Syracuse odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Syracuse Orange vs. West Virginia Mountaineers odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The 11th-seeded Syracuse Orange (17-9) meet the No. 3 seed West Virginia Mountaineers (19-9) Sunday in the second round of the Midwest Regional at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is set for 5:15 p.m. ET and will air on CBS. Below, we analyze the West Virginia-Syracuse odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

West Virginia handled 14th-seeded Morehead State 84-67, covering as a 13-point favorite Friday. WVU prevailed despite being outrebounded and shooting worse from the field. The Mountaineers did win the turnover battle 18-6.

Mountaineers G Miles McBride dropped a 30-piece on 64.7% shooting (3-for-4 from 3) with 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in the victory.

Syracuse smoked No. 6-seed San Diego State 78-62 in the round of 64 thanks to Orange SG Buddy Boeheim also serving up a 30-burger by hitting 73.3% of his shots, including seven 3-pointers.

‘Cuse head coach Jim Boeheim’s famed 2-3 zone defense locked up the Aztecs in the first half, holding them to 18 points, and SDSU only made 27.5% of its 3’s for the game.

The Orange have won five straight, going 5-1 overall and ATS vs. the Mountaineers from 2008-12 while both teams were in the Big East and WVU having Bob Huggins as its head coach (since 2007).

West Virginia vs. Syracuse: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9:01 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: West Virginia -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Syracuse +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
  • Against the spread/ATS: West Virginia -3.5 (-110) | Syracuse +3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 147.5 (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.

West Virginia vs. Syracuse: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Syracuse 75, West Virginia 72

Money line (ML)

PASS because WVU has played a tougher schedule and has more impressive wins on its resume. I like the Orange to cover the spread but Syracuse (+140) should be north of +150.

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Against the spread (ATS)

LEAN SYRACUSE +3.5 (-110) for a half-unit because the Orange are moving the ball well and creating quality looks for their 3-point specialists. WVU’s defense isn’t that good if it isn’t forcing turnovers.

The Mountaineers are ranked only 195th in defensive effective field-goal shooting and the Orange are 36th in turnover rate, according to Ken Pom.

Also, Syracuse’s 2-3 zone matches up well against a WVU team ranked 284th in 2-point shooting percentage.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams should have success on offense because they each have red-hot shooters in Boeheim for ‘Cuse and McBride for WVU. That will help spread the floor for teammates.

Furthermore, I envision the Orange can speed this game up, hit 3-point shots and force WVU into a bit of a shootout. ‘Cuse trying to drag better teams into shootouts would explain its 8-2 O/U record as an underdog.

TAKE OVER 147.5 (-110) for 1 unit.

Want some action on this game or others? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

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

Previewing Saturday’s Oregon Ducks vs. VCU Rams odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 10-seed VCU Rams (19-7) meet the 7-seed Oregon Ducks (20-6) Saturday in the first round of the West Regional at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:57 p.m. ET and the game is airing on TNT. Below, we analyze the VCU-Oregon odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Oregon won the Pac-12 regular-season championship but had its six-game win streak and five-game against the spread winning streak snapped after getting trounced by Oregon State 75-64 as an 8.5-point favorite in the conference title game.

The Ducks are making their seventh NCAA Tournament appearance in head coach Dana Altman’s 11th season on the job. They were a lock to make it last year before the COVID-19 cancellation.

VCU finished its regular season 5-2 straight up and 4-3 against the spread in the final seven games of the regular season and then advanced to the Atlantic 10 Tournament championship where it lost 74-65 to East Region 9-seed St. Bonaventure as a 3.5-point underdog.

This is VCU’s second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and ninth in 10 tournaments dating back to former head coach Shaka Smart’s (now at Texas) run to the Final Four in 2011.

Oregon vs. VCU: 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: Oregon -240 (bet $240 to win $100) | VCU +190 (bet $100 to win $190)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Oregon -5 (-110) | VCU +5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 137.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

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

Prediction

Oregon 76, VCU 66

Money line (ML)

PASS because I like the Ducks to cover the spread, but I’m not willing to risk two-and-a-half times my investment for an outright Oregon victory.

Altman is one of the most underrated coaches in the country and he has guided Oregon to at least the Sweet 16 in each of its previous six appearances.

Also, the Rams haven’t advanced past the first round in their previous two tournament appearances. While this is VCU’s second Big Dance under fourth-year head coach Mike Rhoades, it’s unclear if Rhoades has the big-game coaching chops of former coach Will Wade (now with LSU) and Smart.

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Against the spread (ATS)

This number is too low and it’s easy to foresee how OREGON -5 (-110) creates enough margin against VCU to cover this spread given the matchup.

Oregon’s defense is 1st in the Pac-12 in turnover percentage and VCU commits the most turnovers in the A-10, according to Ken Pom.

The Rams are also the worst defensive rebounding team in the A-10 so there’s a solid chance the Ducks can pile up extra possessions, putbacks, and/or second-chance points.

Plus, Oregon has a significantly lower defensive FTA/FG rate and is 27th in 3-point shooting percentage.

GIMME OREGON -5 (-110) for 1.5 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 137.5 (-110) for a half-unit because the matchup and trends point to this being a high-scoring game.

The Over has cashed in VCU’s previous six NCAA Tournament games and Oregon has an 8-1-2 O/U record in its last 11 games on a neutral site and 6-0-2 O/U as a favorite on a neutral court.

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

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

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March Madness: Virginia vs. Ohio odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Virginia Cavaliers vs. Ohio Bobcats odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 4-seed Virginia Cavaliers (18-6) face the 13-seed Ohio Bobcats (16-7) at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday for a 7:15 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Virginia-Ohio odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Virginia didn’t lose a game in the ACC Tournament but also didn’t win the title. That’s because they had to pull out after its win over Syracuse due to a positive COVID test within the program, so their game against Georgia Tech was uncontested. A lot of people forget, but the Cavaliers are actually the defending national champion after cutting down the nets in Minneapolis in 2019, and March Madness was canceled due to the pandemic last season.

Ohio is hoping to avoid the same fate as Ohio State and Cleveland State, two teams bumped from the NCAA Tournament on Day 1. The Bobcats rolled up three wins and covers in the MAC Tournament, including an 84-69 win over Buffalo. In fact, OU scored at least 84 points in each game in the MAC tourney, while winning by an average margin of 14.7 PPG. They’re one of the hottest teams heading into the NCAA Tournament, going 9-1 SU/ATS across the past 10.

Virginia vs. Ohio: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:55 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Virginia -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Ohio +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Virginia -7 (-110) | Ohio +7 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 129.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Virginia vs. Ohio: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Virginia 71 Ohio 66

Money line (ML)

Virginia (-350) looks to begin what they hope is another long run into the NCAA Tournament. They bounced back and won it all last tournament after being the only No. 1 seed to ever fall to a No. 16 seed in 2018. Their slow-and-deliberate style means they likely won’t pile up a lot of points, and Ohio is a dangerous offensive team. An upset is certainly possible here, so AVOID.

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Against the spread (ATS)

OHIO +7 (-110) has the offensive weapons and up-tempo style to make noise in this NCAA Tournament, but unfortunately they have to face the slow and methodical defending champs. This one might look like an upset special early on, but Virginia -7 (-110) will show its championship mettle down the stretch, grinding out a one-possession win.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 129.5 (-115) and Virginia are two things that usually aren’t in the same sentence. But believe it or not, the Over is actually 5-1 across the past six games, and 4-1 in their past five games as a favorite. The Over is also 8-3 across the past 11 as an underdog for Ohio, too.

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 Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

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March Madness: Alabama vs. Iona odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Iona Gaels odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 2-seed Alabama Crimson Tide (24-6) face the 15-seed Iona Gaels (12-5) at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis Saturday for a 4 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Alabama-Iona odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Alabama has been playing tremendous basketball lately, culminating in a SEC conference tournament title against LSU. They have won six in a row overall, while covering four of the past five outings. The Volunteers are also a solid 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS across their past 10 games against teams in the NCAA Tournament field, so they’re battle tested.

The big story for Iona is the man at the helm, as head coach Rick Pitino leads his fifth different school to the NCAA Tournament. Iona ran through the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tourney, winning four games in five days while going 3-0-1 ATS. They’re also on a six-game win streak, while going 5-0-1 ATS, dating back to their last loss on Feb. 17 at Quinnipiac. The Gaels didn’t face a team in the NCAA Tournament during the regular season or conference tournament.

Alabama vs. Iona: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Alabama -2500 (bet $2,500 to win $100) | Iona +1150 (bet $100 to win $1,150)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Alabama -16.5 (-110) | Iona +16.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 146.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Alabama vs. Iona: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Alabama 85 Iona 63

Money line (ML)

Alabama (-2500) is heavily favored to win this one, and it’s hard to envision many scenarios where that doesn’t happen. But Ohio State served as a cautionary tale on Friday as to why you do not play giant money lines. AVOID.

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Against the spread (ATS)

ALABAMA -16.5 (-110) is a tremendous play laying the points, even though Iona +16.5 (-110) is 5-0-1 ATS across its past six games. The Gaels are undersized and will struggle mightily against the Crimson Tide, who are strong down low but also a decent 3-point shooting team, too. The Tide are also 4-1 ATS across the past five as a favorite.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 146.5 (-110) is the lean, mostly because of Alabama’s high-octane offense. The Tide have posted 79.6 PPG, which ranked 31st in the regular season. Iona closed the regular season on a 5-1 Over run, although the Over hit just once in their four games in the MAAC tourney. The Gaels might have difficulty scoring against Bama’s solid D, so only go lightly on the Over.

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 Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

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March Madness: Creighton vs. UC Santa Barbara odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Creighton vs. UC Santa Barbara odds and lines, with March Madness Round X picks and predictions.

The 5-seed Creighton Blue Jays (20-8) face the 12-seed UC Santa Barbara Gauchos (22-4) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Creighton-UC Santa Barbara odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Creighton was dusted in the Big East final by Georgetown, falling 73-48 as 8.5-point favorites. While there are a lot of things to like about the Blue Jays, they are just 3-3 SU/ATS across the past six outings, and each of those three losses were by at least eight points, with two of them by a dozen or more. And bettors in a close game will be pulling out their hair with Creighton, as they ranked just 321st in the nation from the free-throw line at 65.1 percent.

UCSB routed rival UC Irvine in the Big West final by a 79-63 count, winning for the fifth straight time while covering in back-to-back games. They haven’t covered three in a row since a 5-0 ATS run from Jan. 15-29. The Gauchos are a lockdown defense, ranking 15th in the nation with just 62.1 PPG allowed. They’re also an impressive 13-3 ATS in the past 16 games against winning teams, too.

Creighton vs. UC Santa Barbara: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Creighton -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | UC Santa Barbara +280 (bet $100 to win $280)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Creighton -7.5 (-110) | UC Santa Barbara +7.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 137.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Creighton vs. UC Santa Barbara: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Creighton 69 UC Santa Barbara 66

Money line (ML)

Backing Creighton (-300) is risky business, especially risking three times your potential return. They just haven’t been playing good basketball lately, and they have really struggled offensively in recent games. AVOID.

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Against the spread (ATS)

UC SANTA BARBARA +7.5 (-110) should be able to use timely offense and their tremendous defense to push for an upset in this 12-5 game. The Gauchos have been a very good team this season, especially protecting their own rim. However, Creighton -7.5 (-110) will be the biggest and most talented team UCSB has faced all season, and in the end the Blue Jays will scratch out the narrow win.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 137.5 (-105) is worth playing as Creighton has really struggled putting points on the board lately. In fact, they have averaged a mere 53.5 PPG in the past two outings, and they’re not going to be able to roll up big points against a tremendous and poised UCSB defense. The Under is 4-1 in the past five as an underdog for the Gauchos, while the Under is 5-2-1 in the past eight as a favorite for the Blue Jays.

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 Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

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

Previewing Saturday’s Florida State Seminoles vs. UNC Greensboro Spartans odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 4-seed Florida State Seminoles (16-6) face the 13-seed UNC Greensboro Spartans (21-8) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis Saturday for a 12:45 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Florida State-UNC Greensboro odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Florida State came up just short in the ACC Tournament final against Georgia Tech, falling 80-75 in a non-cover. They limp into the game with three losses in the past five overall, and they’re just 1-3-1 ATS during the stretch. The Over is 7-2 over the previous nine games for the Seminoles, and the Over is 6-2-1 in their nine games against teams in the NCAA Tournament field.

UNC Greensboro beat all three of its opponents in the Southern Conference tournament by at least eight points, including 69-61 in the final against Mercer. While their overall record is impressive, their strength of schedule was just 114th, and they faced only one NCAA Tournament team. They lost that game to the Winthrop Eagles by a 75-67 count Dec. 1 as six-point favorites.

Florida State vs. UNC Greensboro: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Florida State -650 (bet $650 to win $100) | UNC Greensboro +475 (bet $100 to win $475)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Florida State -10.5 (-110) | UNC Greensboro +10.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 144.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. 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. UNC Greensboro: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Florida State 79 UNC Greensboro 71

Money line (ML)

Florida State (-650) will cost you six-and-a-half times your potential return, and that’s risky business on a team that has dropped three of its past five games overall. AVOID.

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Against the spread (ATS)

UNC GREENSBORO +10.5 (-110) will hang around in this one. While I don’t think they have the horses to oust Leonard Hamilton’s Florida State -10 (-110) side, the Spartans will keep it to single digits. The Seminoles just haven’t been consistent against the number, going 3-5-2 ATS in the previous 10 overall, including 0-2-2 ATS in the past four against winning teams.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 144.5 (-110) is the lean in this one, as the Seminoles are a good 3-point shooting team, and neither side is particularly strong defensively. The Over is also 7-2-1 across the past 10 as a favorite for FSU, while the Over is 5-1 in Greensboro’s past six as an underdog, so the trends are in agreement, too.

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 Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

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March Madness: Oklahoma vs. Missouri odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Missouri Tigers vs. Oklahoma Sooners odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 9-seed Missouri Tigers (16-9) face off with the 8-seed Oklahoma Sooners (15-10) Saturday in the first round of the West Regional at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The tip-off is set for 4:25 p.m. ET and will be airing on TNT. Below, we analyze the Missouri-Oklahoma odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Oklahoma struggled at the end of its season but slid into the Big Dance because it played in the winningest conference in the nation.

The Sooners has lost six of their previous seven games with the only winning coming against an Iowa State team that didn’t have a single conference win and they failed to cover eight in a row.

The Tigers alternated between winning and losing in each of the past seven games, are 3-6 SU and 2-7 ATS in the previous nine contests.

This is Missouri head coach Cuonzo Martin’s second NCAA Tournament appearance in his fourth-year on the job.

Oklahoma vs. Missouri: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8:10 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Missouri -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Oklahoma -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Missouri +1 (-110) | Oklahoma -1 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 138.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Oklahoma vs. Missouri: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Missouri 71, Oklahoma 66

Money line (ML)

PASS on the money line because the Tigers are the pick but why not take the point if it costs as much as Missouri’s money line? Obviously, we don’t want a Missouri 1-point loss but a push is better than a loss.

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Against the spread (ATS)

It would appear that MISSOURI +1 (-110) has been under-seeded in this tournament because it has a better resume than Oklahoma -1 (-110).

12 of Missouri’s games were played against teams in the NCAA Tournament and the Tigers started this season out 6-0 with victories including South Region 15-seed Oral Roberts (who just upset 2-seed Ohio State), Midwest Region 1-seed Illinois.

Don’t get me wrong, the Sooners have impressive wins too, but I’ll take the Tigers’ wins over them and, according to Ken Pom, Missouri is ranked 11th in experience.

Lastly, the sharp side of the market is barreling into Missouri, which has caused the Tigers to lose a point worth of value on the opening line.

GIMME MISSOURI +1 (-110) for 1 unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

Even though I like Missouri to win outright, Oklahoma’s defense will make it tough on the Tigers.

Missouri is a poor 3-point shooting team (ranked 259th in 3-point percentage) and gets to the free-throw line at the 37th-highest rate, but Oklahoma is 13th in defensive free-throw rate.

The Sooners do a really good job at packing the paint because of which OU is 61st in defensive 2-point shooting percentage but 354th in defensive 3-point shooting.

BET UNDER 138.5 (-110) for 1 unit.

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

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

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March Madness: UConn vs. Maryland odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Maryland Terrapins vs. UConn Huskies odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 10-seed Maryland Terrapins (16-13) meet the 7-seed UConn Huskies (15-7) Saturday in the first round of the East Regional at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Indiana. The tip-off is set for 7:10 p.m. ET and will be airing on CBS. Below, we analyze the Maryland-UConn odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

UConn returned to the Big East conference this season and is back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2015 and Dan Hurley’s third season at the program.

The Huskies had a five-game winning streak snapped after losing to then-No. 17 Creighton in the Big East Tournament semifinals 59-56 as 2-point underdogs.

The Terrapins have lost three of their past four games (1-3 ATS), including a 79-69 loss to then-No. 4 Michigan in the quarterfinals of the Big 10 Tournament.

Maryland has made back-to-back NCAA Tournaments and it’s the fifth appearance in seven years under 10-year head coach Mark Turgeon. The Terps have won a game in three of their last four tournament appearances.

UConn vs. Maryland: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8:10 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Maryland +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | UConn -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Maryland +3.5 (-110) | UConn -3.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 128.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

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Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

UConn vs. Maryland: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Maryland 63, UConn 60

Money line (ML)

Slight lean toward MARYLAND (+140) for a tiny wager since I like the Terps to cover the spread but if it’s one of the other, definitely take the points with the underdog.

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Against the spread (ATS)

MARYLAND +3.5 (-110) is slightly more experienced on the floor and Turgeon has a lot more tournament experience than Hurley.

Also, the Terps are 63rd in true shooting percentage (TS%), which accounts for free throws, and the Huskies are 208th in TS%.

Furthermore, Maryland figures to win the free-throw battle. UConn is 292nd in defensive FTA/FG rate and 203rd in offensive FTA/FG rate while the Terps are ranked 117th and 51st in offensive and defensive FTA/FG percentages.

Finally, according to Pregame.com, the market has steamed UConn up to laying 3.5 points after opening as a 2-point favorite. It’s generally more profitable to fade this one-sided of a market than follow it.

BET MARYLAND +3.5 (-110) 1 unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams play at a slow tempo, are much more efficient on defense and Maryland, in particular, has a lot of perimeter length, which will give UConn’s poor shooting offense a lot of trouble.

BET UNDER 128.5 (-105) for a half-unit.

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

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

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March Madness: Michigan vs. Texas Southern odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Michigan vs. Texas Southern odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The Michigan Wolverines (20-4) take on the Texas Southern Tigers (17-8) in an East Region First Round game Saturday. The No. 1-seed Wolverines and 16th-seeded Tigers will tip-off at 3 p.m. ET at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Below, we analyze the Michigan-Texas Southern odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Michigan wants to get back to the basketball it played from Nov. 25-Feb. 27 when a well-rounded Wolverine five went 18-1, outscoring teams by an average margin of 13.6 points. In five games since, UM is just 2-3. Michigan has struggled from the floor and fallen off in its normally strong rebounding over that stretch.

Texas Southern advanced to this game after defeating Mount St. Mary’s 60-52 in a Thursday First Four contest. TSU has won 10 straight games and is playing excellent defense. Over the win streak, the fast-tempo Tigers have held foes to a mere 38.0% mark from the floor.

Michigan vs. Texas Southern: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Michigan NA | Texas Southern NA
  • Against the spread/ATS: Michigan -26 (-110) | Texas Southern +26 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 143.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Michigan vs. Texas Southern: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Michigan 86, Texas Southern 60

Money line (ML)

There was no money line available at the time of publishing. Due to the size of the spread, it wouldn’t be worth pursuing, anyway.

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Against the spread (ATS)

This is a mismatch without any real hook to hang a play on for either side. The Tigers can’t hang with Michigan from a physical standpoint, and it’s logical to expect a bounce-back game from a Wolverines squad looking to make a run and playing on a familiar floor.

Expecting a near-30-point win in a game with a likable Under is too much of a stretch.

Tag TEXAS SOUTHERN +26 (-110) with the lightest of leans.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 15-9 in Michigan’s 24 games, and UM has tended to force lower scores in the pace clashes in the Big Ten. The Wolverines are without senior F Isaiah Livers (foot), and things swung the other way when Michigan played lesser fast-paced non-conference foes at the start of the season. Against Bowling Green, Oakland, and Ball State, the Over went 3-0.

A couple of UM’s recent losses were in very slow games, and the Maize & Blue may look to leverage their athleticism more in this match-up.

TAKE THE OVER 142.5 (-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: Colorado vs. Georgetown odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Georgetown Hoyas vs. Colorado Buffaloes odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 12-seed Georgetown Hoyas (13-12) meet the 5-seed Colorado Buffaloes (22-8) Saturday in the first round of the East Regional at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The tip-off is set for 12:45 p.m. ET and will broadcast on CBS. Below, we analyze the Colorado-Georgetown odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

No. 22 Colorado had its 6-game win streak snapped in the Pac-12 Tournament title game last week by losing as an 8.5-point favorite to the Oregon State Beavers.

The Buffaloes have made it past the first round of the NCAA Tournament once in their four appearances since head coach Tad Boyle took over the program in 2010.

Towards the middle of Georgetown’s season, it appeared head coach Patrick Ewing was on the hot seat as the Hoyas lost five straight Big East games and fell to 3-8.

Georgetown rallied and played its way into the Big Dance by winning the Big East Tournament, which included wins over then-No. 11 Villanova and then-No. 17 Creighton by 25 points in the conference title game.

Colorado vs. Georgetown: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:37 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Georgetown +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Colorado -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Georgetown +6 (-110) | Colorado -6 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 138.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

Bet $10 on the first round, RECEIVE A $10 FREE BET FOR EACH GAME PLAYED that day of the opening round. Bet now!

Bet $1 on any team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if ANY team hits a 3-pointer that day. Bet now!

Offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

Colorado vs. Georgetown: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Georgetown 66, Colorado 62

Money line (ML)

PASS with a slight lean on Georgetown (+200) since I’m on the Hoyas to cover the spread and often will sprinkle on an underdog’s money line.

It’s awfully cliché, but I’d also consider making this your annual 12-seed over 5-seed upset because Georgetown gets to play the “no one believes in us” card.

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Against the spread (ATS)

There’s inherent value on GEORGETOWN +6 (-110) because the public will be fading the Hoyas since it’s known they wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for an improbable run to the Big East crown.

Plus, Georgetown has played well against tough competition and is 5-2 ATS with a plus-8.4-point spread differential vs. ranked opponents.

Furthermore, Colorado has been a little shaky when playing away from Boulder, which has a significant homecourt advantage because visiting teams aren’t used to playing at altitude.

According to Ken Pom, Colorado has the biggest homecourt advantage in Division 1 basketball and the Buffaloes are 5-7 ATS in road games and 3-3 ATS in neutral site games.

GIMME GEORGETOWN +6 (-110) for 1.25 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS because something tells me Georgetown-Colorado will be a rock fight and these teams have a combined 22-32-1 O/U record, but it’s more of a hunch than something I’m willing to gamble on.

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

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Auburn / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin

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

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