Tag: March Madness betting odds lines picks predictions best bets

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

Previewing Saturday’s Texas Longhorns vs. Abilene Christian Wildcats odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The third-seeded Texas Longhorns (19-7) face the 14th-seeded Abilene Christian Wildcats (23-4) Saturday. Tip-off is set for 9:50 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Texas-Abilene Christian odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Texas enters the NCAA Tournament having won its final five games. The Longhorns finished third in the Big 12 regular-season standings. Three players averaged double digits in scoring, led by junior G Andrew Jones and his 14.6 points per game. Texas also led the Big 12 in rebounding.

Abilene Christian won 12 of its final 13 games to make the NCAA tourney, doing so with defense and ball movement. Allowing just 60.1 points per game, the Wildcats were seventh in the nation in scoring defense. They were also third in steals and fifth in assists per game.

Texas vs. Abilene Christian: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Texas -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Abilene Christian +350 (bet $100 to win $350)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Texas -9 (-110) | Abilene Christian +9 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 139.5 (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.

Texas vs. Abilene Christian: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Texas 77, Abilene Christian 66

Money line (ML)

As a 14 seed, there isn’t much of a chance historically for the Wildcats to upset the Longhorns. No. 14 seeds are 21-119 all-time against 3 seeds with the last upset being Stephen F. Austin shocking West Virginia in 2016. Texas and Abilene Christian were each 5-0 at neutral sites this season. However, with a -450 money line for Texas, it isn’t worth the risk. PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

This line isn’t as big as it could be. Texas struggled against the spread this season, going 12-13-1 ATS, while the Wildcats were 17-6 ATS. Abilene Christian went 7-1 ATS in its last eight games and Texas has covered the spread in their last five.

The difference in competition in the two conferences comes into play here. Texas will be in control for most of the game. The Wildcats will compete and won’t get blown out, but they won’t keep it close enough for a cover. Take TEXAS -9 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams tend to go Over in their games. Abilene Christian has played Over in 11 of its last 13 games. Texas has gone 14-5 O/U in its last 19 and is 5-0 O/U in its last five as a favorite. Take OVER 139.5 POINTS (-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:

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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: Iowa vs. Grand Canyon odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Grand Canyon Antelopes odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

March Madness officially has begun. Saturday, we get to see one team’s NCAA Tournament debut. The (2) Iowa Hawkeyes (21-8) will face the (15) Grand Canyon Antelopes (17-6) at 6:25 p.m. ET in Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Iowa-Grand Canyon odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Iowa comes in as a two seed with one of the nation’s best scoring attacks. The Hawkeyes are No. 6 in scoring in the nation, averaging 83.8 points per game. They lead the nation with 19.1 assists per game and are led by senior C Luka Garza, who averages 23.7 points and 8.8 rebounds game.

Grand Canyon makes its NCAA Tournament debut after winning the WAC in head coach Bryce Drew’s first year. The Antelopes have size up front with 7-0 senior C Asbjorn Midtgaard and 6-10 senior C/PF Alessandro Lever, and are the eighth-best rebounding team in the nation. They had the nation’s second-best field-goal defense, allowing only 37.7% from the field and 61.1 points per game, ninth best in the country.

Iowa vs. Grand Canyon: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Iowa -1600 (bet $1,600 to win $100) | Grand Canyon +850 (bet $100 to win $850)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Iowa -14.5 (-110) | Grand Canyon +14.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 144.5 (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.

Iowa vs. Grand Canyon: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Iowa 72, Grand Canyon 62

Money line (ML)

Grand Canyon’s schedule in the WAC doesn’t do much to prepare it for Iowa. The Antelopes have never played a game as big as this. The Antelopes don’t have much of a chance as 15-seeds have a combined 8-132 all-time record against the No. 2 seed. With Iowa’s overwhelming line at -1600, there is no reason to make a money line bet. PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Here is where it gets fun. GCU is 15-5 ATS overall and 4-0 ATS in neutral sites, while Iowa is only 15-13-1 ATS. Grand Canyon’s size and defense will give Iowa trouble and will slow the game enough to keep the score relatively close. The Antelopes went 3-0 ATS against Nevada, Arizona State and Colorado. The first round is where magical upsets happen. Grand Canyon will threaten but falter. However, Iowa won’t blow GCU out. Take GRAND CANYON +14.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

At 144.5 points, this total is set high. Iowa scores a ton, but Grand Canyon slows the game down. The Antelopes went 6-14 O/U this season, while the Hawkeyes were only 14-15 O/U. In seven combined games between the two teams at neutral sites, only two contests went Over the total. Take UNDER 144.5 (-105).

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:

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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: Purdue vs. North Texas odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Purdue Boilermakers vs. North Texas Mean Green odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The fourth-seeded Purdue Boilermakers (18-9) will battle the No. 13 seed North Texas Mean Green (17-9) in an NCAA South Region Round 1 game Friday. Tip-off is set for 7:25 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Purdue-North Texas odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Boilermakers won five straight games – playing exceptional defense along the way – before bowing out in overtime to Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament. Purdue ranks fourth in Big Ten defense, yielding just 66.3 points per game. The Boilermakers own solid efficiency numbers at both ends of the floor and are a well-rounded team on the boards.

North Texas picked up an overtime victory against Western Kentucky in the Conference USA Tournament championship game to earn its first NCAA Tournament bid in 11 years. The Mean Green went just 5-5 in their first 10 games, but UNT rallied to go 12-4 since, including a current four-game win streak. The Mean Green play a lockdown brand of defense with a bottom-50 tempo.

Purdue vs. North Texas: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:19 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Purdue -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | North Texas +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Purdue -7 (-110) | North Texas +7 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 126.5 (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.

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

Prediction

Purdue 64, North Texas 58

Money line (ML)

Peg this contest as a full two-possession cushion for Purdue and a near-75% win probability for the Boilermakers in their home state. PASS on the money line.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the Boilers covering the 7-point spread. Figure on Purdue having the better shooting night and getting some mileage out of uncontested and untimed 15-footers. The Boilermakers as -5 or even -5.5 would bring some tilt to that side. Otherwise, pocket the sides here and look into a slow-pace Under.

Over/Under (O/U)

North Texas owns a points-per-game-allowed average of just 61.2, ranking 10th in the country. UNT has held foes to a 36.7% mark from the field over its last five games. Over/Under bettors have been slow to respond. The Under is 15-10 in the team’s 25 games.

The total here is a low. It isn’t low enough. BACK THE UNDER 126.5 (-105).

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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: West Virginia vs. Morehead State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Morehead State Eagles odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 3-seed West Virginia Mountaineers (18-9) take on the 14-seed Morehead State Eagles (23-7) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis Friday for a 9:50 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the West Virginia-Morehead State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Mountaineers stumble into the NCAA Tournament with three losses in the past four games, including a 72-69 loss as 3-point favorites to Oklahoma State in their first game of the Big 12 Tournament. The Mountaineers have also failed to cover in four in a row after a 5-1 ATS run. West Virginia went 7-9 ATS in 16 games against regular-season opponents who qualified for the NCAA Tournament.

The Eagles soared past Belmont in the Ohio Valley Conference title game, and enter the NCAA Tournament on a seven-game win streak. Morehead State has covered four of the past five games overall, and it’s 3-1 ATS on a neutral court this season. This is a team which hasn’t matched up with the big boys very well, losing by 36 to Kentucky in November, by 33 to Ohio State Dec. 2 and by 15 to Clemson Dec. 21. Morehead State plays lockdown defense, allowing just 63.4 PPG to rank 32nd in the nation, and it allows foes to hit just 40.4% from the field, including 30.2% behind the 3-point are.

West Virginia vs. Morehead State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:56 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: West Virginia -1100 (bet $1,100 to win $100) | Morehead State +650 (bet $100 to win $650)
  • Against the spread/ATS: West Virginia -13 (-110) | Morehead State +13 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 137.5 (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.

West Virginia vs. Morehead State: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

West Virginia 69, Morehead State 60

Money line (ML)

West Virginia (-1100) will cost 11 times your potential return. While that’s not a good long-term betting strategy, it’s especially dangerous during NCAA Tournament time when we see monumental upsets. Morehead State was on the good side of one of those big upsets, upending 4-seed Louisville 62-61 back in 2011 behind former Denver Nuggets big man Kenneth Faried.

PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

MOREHEAD STATE +13 (-110) has the defense to give West Virginia fits, although the Eagles might not have the juice to go all the way and pull the upset. They play a very deliberate style on offense, going for just 68.6 PPG, they’re not a good 3-point shooting team and they struggle from the free-throw line. But the defense is good, and they should match up well against the struggling Mountaineers.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 137.5 (-110) is the lean here based on Morehead State’s shutdown defense, and its struggles on offense. West Virginia will test that defense, as it averages 77.6 PPG, but it hits just 42.8% from the field. That kind of shooting won’t get it done against a sturdy Eagles D.

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:

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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. Winthrop odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Villanova Wildcats vs. Winthrop Eagles odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 5-seed Villanova Wildcats (16-6) take on the 12-seed Winthrop Eagles (23-1) Friday at Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis for a 9:57 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Villanova-Winthrop odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Wildcats were stunned in their first game of the Big East Tournament against eventual champ Georgetown 72-71 March 11. Villanova has had a tough time adjusting after losing senior G Collin Gillespie to a season-ending knee injury March 3. In the two games without him, the ‘Cats are 0-2 SU/ATS, averaging just 61.5 PPG.

Winthrop ran through the Big South en route to its first NCAA Tournament bid since 2017. While the Eagles had tremendous success in the regular season, that hasn’t always been the case in the Big Dance. They have won just once in 10 appearances, a 2007 first-round win over Notre Dame before bowing out to Oregon as an 11-seed. Their current 12-seed is the second-highest in school history behind that 2007 club.

Villanova vs. Winthrop: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:19 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Villanova -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Winthrop +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Villanova -7 (-110) | Winthrop +7 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 142.5 (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.

Villanova vs. Winthrop: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Villanova 77, Winthrop 72

Money line (ML)

Villanova (-300) will cost you three times your potential return. It’s a little risky since the Wildcats are 0-2 SU/ATS since Gillespie went down, and they’re facing a Winthrop side that has lost just once this season. But who have the Eagles really played in the Big South? They played just one NCAA Tournament team in UNC Greensboro, and that was in the opener Dec. 1 on a neutral floor. The Eagles beat the Spartans 75-67 as six-point underdogs, but again, their strength of schedule is a little suspect.

PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

WINTHROP +7 (-110) could give Villanova a scare as the Eagles have rolled up 79.2 PPG to rank 35th in the nation. Again, their SOS wasn’t great, and they played just one quality opponent. ‘Nova should put up plenty of points against Winthrop’s defense, which coughs up points to the tune of 68.3 PPG, ranking 123rd in the country.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 142.5 (-115) is the play. Winthrop averaged 81.7 PPG in its three Big South Tournament games. Even through the Under went 2-0-1 in those contests, and 5-0-1 in the Eagles’ past six, Villanova is a much more quality opponent, who will put up points. The Wildcats, who hit the Over in their loss to Georgetown, averaged 75.8 PPG during the season, while hitting 35.5% of their 3-pointers. It won’t be a track meet, but it won’t be a defensive slog, either.

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:

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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: San Diego State vs. Syracuse odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s San Diego State Aztecs vs. Syracuse Orange odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 10-seed Syracuse Orange (16-9) meet the 6-seed San Diego State Aztecs (23-4) Friday in the first round of the Midwest Regional at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is set for 9:40 p.m. ET and is airing on CBS. Below, we analyze the Syracuse-San Diego State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Aztecs tore up the Mountain West Conference this season, winning both the regular-season and conference tourney championships.

San Diego State is riding a 14-game winning streak with an average score of 78.8-60.4 and covered in nine of those victories.

Syracuse was eliminated from the ACC Tournament 72-69 loss to West Regional 4-seed Virginia by a buzzer-beater as 4.5-point underdogs, but they covered for a fourth straight game.

This is Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim’s 35th NCAA Tournament appearance and third straight while San Diego State is making its second appearance in head coach Brian Dutcher’s fourth year on the job.

San Diego State vs. Syracuse: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Syracuse +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | San Diego State -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Syracuse +3 (-110) | San Diego State -3 (-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.

San Diego State vs. Syracuse: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Syracuse 74, San Diego State 69

Money line (ML)

As I said in this week’s Bet Slippin’ Podcast, San Diego State (-160) is ranked 337th in defensive 3-point attempt rate.

And if the Aztecs let Syracuse guard Buddy Boeheim and Co. chuck 3-pointers, the Orange are going to roll them.

Boeheim is one of the hottest shooters entering the tournament and has connected on 46.1% of threes in the past 11 games. His father, Jim, whose Hall of Fame resume speaks for itself, come tourney time: ‘Cuse is always a threat to make a run.

I lean SYRACUSE (+135) for a quarter-unit only because the Orange plus the points is a wiser play.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Definitely BET SYRACUSE +3 (-110) heavier than or instead of the money line.

The Orange have covered four straight NCAA Tournament games as an underdog. Also, the Aztecs are starting to show some cracks in their armor as they are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games.

Over/Under (O/U)

This game is ripe to go OVER 138.5 (-110). Both teams play up-tempo and shoot threes at an above-average rate.

As a product of Jim Boeheim’s 2-3 zone defense, Syracuse is ranked 327th in defensive 3-point attempt rate, which is trouble against a San Diego State team ranked 25th in 3-point shooting.

Finally, the market has steamed this total up from a 137.5-point opener and I’d rather follow the market than fade it. BET OVER 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.

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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: Clemson vs. Rutgers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Clemson Tigers odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 11-seed Rutgers Scarlet Knights (15-11) meet the 7-seed Clemson Tigers (16-7) in the first round of the Midwest Regional Friday at 9:20 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Rutgers-Clemson odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Clemson was upset 67-64 as an 8-point favorite by Miami last Wednesday in the second round of the ACC Tournament. It was the Tigers’ second loss in their last three games following a five-game win streak; they’re 4-4 against the spread over their last eight games.

The Scarlet Knights drubbed Indiana 61-50 in the second round of the Big 10 Tournament only to get shellacked by eventual conference champion No. 2 Illinois 90-68 in the quarterfinals.

Rutgers started the season with a six-game win streak that was punctuated by a 91-88 upset of then-No. 13 Illinois. It finished the regular season 3-4 straight up and 4-3 ATS in the final seven games.

This is only the second NCAA Tournament appearance for Clemson in the last 10 seasons while Rutgers hasn’t been to the Big Dance since 1991.

Clemson vs. Rutgers: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Rutgers -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Clemson +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Rutgers -1.5 (-110) | Clemson +1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 125.5 (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.

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

Prediction

Clemson 65, Rutgers 60

Money line (ML)

Neither team gets to the charity stripe a lot, but Clemson is 31st in free-throw percentage and Rutgers is 336th so I have questions on whether or not the Scarlet Knights can close out a tight game.

Furthermore, according to Ken Pom, Clemson is 20th in adjusted defensive efficiency, and Rutgers is 289th in 3-point percentage and 284th in 3-point attempt rate.

The Scarlet Knights not being able to space the floor and being unwilling to attack the basket because of poor free-throw shooting should make the job easier for the Clemson defense.

TAKE CLEMSON (+105) for 1.25 units.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS unless it gets up to Clemson +2 or higher because I’d rather just take the Tigers to win outright at plus-money than get only a point of insurance.

Over/Under (O/U)

Rutgers-Clemson figures to be a “rock fight” between two slow-paced teams that play better defense than offense.

That is accounted for in BetMGM‘s projected total for this game and I’m hesitant to follow a crowd of bettors that have steamed this number down from a 128-point opener.

I lean Under 125.5 (-105) but ultimately have to PASS because of the line movement.

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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VIDEO: How to bet on Ohio State vs. Oral Roberts March Madness matchup

SportsGrid discusses Ohio State vs. Oral Roberts March Madness matchup

The 15th-seed Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (16-10) meet second-seed Ohio State Buckeyes (21-9) Friday for a 3 p.m. ET tip-off during the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Our friends at SportsGrid are joined by Jim Root, as they discuss the Ohio State vs. Oral Roberts matchup and how you should place your bets on it. Should you take the Over in this one? Root shares his thoughts…

Can’t see the video? Click here.

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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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: North Carolina vs. Wisconsin odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Wisconsin Badgers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The 9-seed Wisconsin Badgers (17-12) square off against the 8-seed North Carolina Tar Heels (18-10) in the first round of the South Regional at 7:10 p.m. ET in Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Below, we analyze the Wisconsin-North Carolina odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

North Carolina wrapped up its regular season 4-2 SU and ATS in the last six games. The Tar Heels then won and covered two ACC Tournament games before losing to East Regional 4-seed Florida State in the conference tourney semifinals.

Wisconsin struggled at the end of its season, losing seven of the previous 10 games (3-6-1 ATS) and is entering the Big Dance unranked after being in the Top 25 for a majority of the season.

The Badgers’ last three wins have come against sub-.500 teams including narrowly beating Penn State 75-74 as 6.5-point favorites in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament.

North Carolina vs. Wisconsin: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Wisconsin -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | North Carolina -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Wisconsin +1 (-110) | North Carolina -1 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 137.5 (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.

North Carolina vs. Wisconsin: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

North Carolina 73, Wisconsin 68

Money line (ML)

These teams have similar identities, but NORTH CAROLINA (-115) is bigger, more physical and is playing its best basketball entering the tournament.

Aside from Syracuse’s Jim Boeheim, Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams has the most postseason experience in the field. North Carolina has advanced to the Sweet 16 or further in four of its past five NCAA Tournament appearances.

Also, the Tar Heels are 4-0-1 ATS in their last five neutral site games as favorites and the Badgers are 0-3-1 ATS in their previous games in neutral venues.

Essentially, Williams does a better job getting his guys prepped for high-profile games. GIMME NORTH CAROLINA (-115) to advance.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PASS on the spread since North Carolina -1 (-110) is only 5 cents cheaper on the dollar than its money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

North Carolina’s offense is 24th in average possession length and 1st in offensive rebounding rate (according to Ken Pom), which tells me the Tar Heels will score fast and get easy putbacks.

Even though Wisconsin plays at a snail’s pace, the Badgers have the 4th-best turnover rate and are one of the better 3-point shooting teams in the country. So, if North Carolina pushes the pace, I like Wisconsin to hang around by knocking down 3’s.

According to Pregame.com, more than 95% of the money is on the Under and that has steamed the total down from the 139-point opener. Typically, you’ll win money as a sports gambler if you blindly fade betting markets this one-sided.

I lean OVER 137.5 (-115) for a half unit and wait until closer to tip-off to perhaps get a cheaper total.

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: Arkansas vs. Colgate odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Colgate Raiders odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The Colgate Raiders (14-1) take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (22-6) in an NCAA South Region First Round Game Friday. The 14th-seeded Raiders and third-seeded Razorbacks will tip-off at 12:45 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Colgate-Arkansas odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Razorbacks went 9-1 over their last 10 games with an SEC tourney loss snapping a nine-game winning streak. Over those 10 games, they’ve held opposing shooters to a 40.4% mark from the field. G Moses Moody is leading Arkansas in scoring at 17.4 points per game. The freshman sensation has come on strong of late and shot 40.0% from distance in averaging 21.8 PPG over his last six games.

The Raiders didn’t begin their season until Jan. 2. They played Army in their first two games, losing the second of those but CU hasn’t lost since. The Raiders take good care of the basketball while playing a fast tempo. Three-hundred-and-forty-seven teams have played NCAA-I basketball this winter; Colgate has averaged more points per game (86.3) than 345 of them.

Arkansas vs. Colgate: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 3:05 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Colgate +333 (bet $100 to win $333) | Arkansas -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Colgate +8.5 (-110) | Arkansas -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 161.5 (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.

Arkansas vs. Colgate: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Arkansas 82, Colgate 77

Money line (ML)

Senior guard play leads the way for the Raiders: G Jordan Burns, G Jack Ferguson, and G Nelly Cummings are CU’s top three scorers. Burns is the fifth-leading scorer in the Patriot League with 17.0 points per game and the circuit’s top assist distributor with 5.3 per game. Those guards have led a CU squad that went a combined 25-for-42 from 3-point range the last two games.

PASS on the current tag, but consider Colgate if the plus figure gets to +360 or so.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Raiders are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games against winning teams.

The 3s can keep the Raiders at a single-digit deficit. Or perhaps get them under the wire for a late back-door cover. TAKE COLGATE +8.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

This game has been one of the more heavily bet contests mid-week, and here’s the reason: Colgate and Arkansas are fast-paced fives.

The total accounts for that but perhaps goes a couple of points too far. BACK UNDER 161.5 (-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.

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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