NCAA odds lines against the spread over/under total picks predictions – Page 2

March Madness: Duke vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Duke vs. Houston NCAA Sweet 16 odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Duke Blue Devils (26-8) and Houston Cougars (32-4) meet Friday in Sweet 16 action in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the American Airlines Center is slated for 9:39 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Duke vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 4th-seeded Blue Devils rolled up a 93-55 win against the 12th-seeded James Madison Dukes in the 2nd round, after coasting by the 13th-seeded Vermont Catamounts 64-47 in the 1st round. Duke has covered both games in the NCAA Tournament, and the Under is 3-0 in the postseason, and 11-2 across the past 13 games.

The top-seeeded Cougars collapsed in the final couple of minutes in the 2nd round against 9-seed Texas A&M, as the Aggies had a flurry of points late to force overtime. Houston hung on for the 100-95 win in the extra session, but it failed to cover as an 8.5-point favorite as the Over (135.5) cashed. Houston has averaged 93.0 PPG in 2 NCAA Tournament games, while the Over has cashed in each outing.

Duke was No. 14 and Houston was No. 2 in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll of the regular season.

Duke vs. Houston odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:16 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Duke +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Houston -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread: Duke +3.5 (+100) | Houston -3.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Duke vs. Houston and predictions

Prediction

Houston 69, Duke 64

Moneyline

Houston (-190) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s just a little too expensive. Duke (+155) has been hot lately, winning 13 of the past 17 games outright, including wins over Clemson, who is on to the Elite 8, and NC State, who is in the Sweet 16, also playing Friday.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

HOUSTON -3.5 (-120) is worth a look, as the Cougars are 4-2 ATS in the past 6 games. The offense for the Cougars has been strong lately, going for 82 or more points in 3 of the past 4 postseason games.

Duke +3.5 (+100) won’t go quietly, and it is a tempting play at even-money. Duke is 10-3 ATS in the past 13 games, too. However, the Cougars have a lockdown defense, and will make life awfully tough on Kyle Filipowski and the Blue Devils offense. Houston ranked No. 1 in the regular season with just 56.9 points per game (PPG) allowed, while limiting teams to a 38.3% field-goal percentage, which was No. 2 in the nation.

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Over/Under

UNDER 134.5 (-110) is the lean in this Sweet 16 matchup.

While Houston has had a lockdown defense, it allowed 95 points to Texas A&M in the 2nd round, and the Over is 3-1 in the past 4 games. Still, defense is the name of the game for the Cougars, and will be the difference if it is to advance.

However, it’s Duke driving this Under train, as the Blue Devils have hit the Under in 3 in a row in the postseason, while going 6-1 in the past 7 games, and 11-2 in the previous 13 contests.

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March Madness: Creighton vs. Tennessee odds, picks and predictions

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

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The No. 3 seed Creighton Bluejays (25-9) face the No. 2 seed Tennessee Volunteers (26-8) on Friday in the Sweet 16. Tip from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is sscheduled for 10:09 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Creighton vs. Tennessee odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Creighton knocked off the 14th-seeded Akron Zips 77-60 in the 1st round as an 11.5-point favorite. In Saturday’s 2nd round, the Bluejays beat the 11th-seeded Oregon Ducks 86-73 to cover as 3.5-point favorites. They have a 1-1 Over record in the tournament.

Tennessee destroyed the 15th-seeded Saint Peter’s Peacocks 83-49 in the 1st round to cover as a 22-point favorite. In the 2nd round on Sunday, the Volunteers beat the 7th-seeded Texas Longhorns 62-58 while failing to cover as 6.5-point favorites. They have a 1-1 Over record in the tournament.

Creighton is No. 11 and Tennesee is No. 6 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Creighton vs. Tennessee odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:41 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Creighton +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Tennessee -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Creighton +3.5 (-115) | Tennessee -3.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 144.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Creighton vs. Tennessee picks and predictions

Prediction

Creighton 72, Tennessee 67

Moneyline

BET CREIGHTON (+130).

The Bluejays have a well-balanced offense and an ability to shoot the ball that can put the opponent on their heels. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and are in familiar waters, reaching the Sweet 16 for 2nd straight year and 3rd time in the last 4 years. Tennessee had its struggles in its 2nd-round game against Texas and has scored 62 or fewer points in 2 of its last 3 games. While Friday’s game should be close, Creighton will come out on top.

Against the spread

PASS.

The odds are better on Creighton to win outright.

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Over/Under

BET UNDER 144.5 (-110).

Creighton has held opponents to 73 or fewer points in both of its tournament games and in 7 of its last 10 games. Tennessee has hit the Under in 8 of its last 19 games and has scored 66 or fewer points in 3 of its last 5 games while holding opponents to 58 or fewer points in both of its tournament games thus far.

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

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

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The NC State Wolfpack (24-14) and Marquette Golden Eagles (27-9) meet Friday in Sweet 16 action in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the American Airlines Center is slated for 7:09 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the NC State vs. Marquette odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The NC State was fitted for Cinderella’s slipper in the 1st 2 rounds, upending No. 6 seed Texas Tech, before fighting No. 14-seed Oakland for the role. The 11th-seeded Wolfpack won 80-67, and covered (+5), against the Red Raiders in the 1st round. It took a little extra work to vanquish the Golden Grizzlies, winning 79-73 in overtime, while Oakland (+6.5) picked up the backdoor cover at most shops on a late bucket in the extra session.

Second-seeded Marquette was in firm control against No. 15 seed Western Kentucky from the jump, winning 87-69 in the 1st round, while covering a 15-point number. In the 2nd round, No. 10 seed Colorado gave the Golden Eagles all they could handle before managing an 81-77 win, just missing the cover by a half-point.

Marquette was No. 8 in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll of the regular season, while NC State was unranked.

NC State vs. Marquette odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:23 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): NC State +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Marquette -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread: NC State +6.5 (-110) | Marquette -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 150.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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NC State vs. Marquette and predictions

Prediction

Marquette 76, NC State 72

Moneyline

Marquette (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s way too expensive either straight up, or as part of a multi-team parlay. Plus, picking against NC State (+225) has proven dangerous lately, as the Wolfpack has won straight up as an underdog in 5 straight in the postseason.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

NC STATE +6.5 (-110) is worth a play as the underdog. In fact, in its historic postseason run, winning 7 games in 11 days from March 12-23, the Wolfpack covered all 5 times as an underdog, and the only time it failed to cover was the 2 times it was favored.

Marquette -6.5 (-110) has its hands full in this game. It hopes this goes better than the last time these teams faced each other in the NCAA Tournament, as NC State won the national championship game 76-64 in 1974. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and the Golden Eagles should move on, but not without a scare from the upstart Wolfpack.

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Over/Under

UNDER 150.5 (-105) is a strong play in this Sweet 16 battle.

While the Over has cashed in 3 of the past 4 postseason games for NC State, 2 of those Over results were due to games going to overtime. The Under is still 3-3 in the past 6 games, with NC State clamping down to allowing 69 or fewer points in 4 of the past 6 outings, including the 1st round vs. Texas Tech.

Marquette has cashed the Under in 2 of the past 3 games, although it has averaged 84.0 PPG in 2 NCAA Tournament games. It should still have its hands full trying to solve NC State’s chaotic and suffocating defense.

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

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

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The No. 5 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs (27-7) battle the No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers (31-4) in the Sweet 16 on Friday. Tip from Little Caesars Arena in Detroit is set for 7:39 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Gonzaga vs. Purdue odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Gonzaga took down McNeese 86-65 in the 1st round to cover as a 7-point favorite. In the 2nd Round last Saturday, the Bulldogs dominated the No. 4 seed Kansas Jayhawks 89-68 to cover as a 4-point favorite. The Bulldogs have hit the Over in both tournament games.

Purdue knocked off 16th-seeded Grambling 78-50 in the 1st round to cover as a 27-point favorite before destroying Utah State 106-67 in the 2nd round on Sunday to cover as an 11.5-point favorite. The Boilermakers are 1-1 against the Over.

– Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Gonzaga vs. Purdue odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:02 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Gonzaga +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Purdue -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Gonzaga +5.5 (-115) | Purdue -5.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 154.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Gonzaga vs. Purdue picks and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 84, Gonzaga 80

Moneyline

PASS.

Purdue (-225) has looked phenomenal in its 1st 2 games with C Zach Edey leading the way with a pair of double-doubles (30 points, 21 rebounds and 23, 14). There is no value on the Boilermakers to win.

Against the spread

BET GONZAGA +5.5 (-115).

While Purdue is expected to win, Gonzaga has proved its ability to compete with the No. 1 seed. The Bulldogs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games. They dominated Kansas in the 2nd round and have showed their defensive capabilities allowing 68 or fewer points in both games.

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Over/Under

BET OVER 154.5 (-110).

Both teams have scored at high rates in the 1st 2 rounds with the Bulldogs scoring 86 and 89 points and the Boilermakers scoring 78 and 106 points. This game will have a fast pace with each team having a unique ability to create scoring opportunities.

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March Madness: Alabama vs. North Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Alabama vs. North Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 4th-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide (23-11) face the top-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels (29-7) Thursday in a West Region Sweet 16 matchup. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles is set for 9:39 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook ‘s lines around the Alabama vs. North Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Alabama, ranked No. 18 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, has advanced in the tournament with victories over Charleston and Grand Canyon. In the latter win, a 72-61 triumph covering as 5-point favorites Sunday, the Tide had to battle back from a 3-point deficit with 5:43 remaining.

North Carolina, tabbed as the national No. 4 in the coaches poll, has defeated Wagner and Michigan State. The Tar Heels’ Saturday win over MSU was a sturdy 85-69 job, covering a 4-point spread. Since Feb. 17, UNC is 10-1 with an average margin of victory of 13.1 points.

UA and UNC have met twice in the last 5 years, both times in early-season tournaments on neutral floors. The Tar Heels won in 2019 in a contest played in the Bahamas. In 2022, Alabama nipped North Carolina 103-101 in an overtime contest played in Portland.

Alabama vs. North Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Alabama +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | North Carolina -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Alabama +4.5 (-110) | North Carolina -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 173.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Alabama vs. North Carolina picks and predictions

Prediction

North Carolina 85, Alabama 82

Moneyline

The lean here is on this being a close game, but UA is 1-9 straight up in its last 10 games as an underdog. Hold off on trying to cash on the Tide outright.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Crimson Tide are 9-5 ATS in non-SEC games.

Alabama looked to have been slumping in late February and early March, but its 2 tournament wins in this West bracket have been impressive.

Figure the public being a tad too high on the Tar Heels. While UNC has some systemic advantages (rebounding, free throws) in what figures to be a contest with a ton of possessions, its recent 3-point defense (39.6% last 3 games, 37.9% since Feb. 26) is a glaring issue against this fast-break, perimeter-launch Alabama 5.

On offense, Carolina can be goaded into taking too many mid-range, sub-optimal shots.

TAKE THE CRIMSON TIDE +4.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

Look for solid handles on the basketball at both ends, and figure inside looks for UA — normally a staple to be tougher to come by.

Both teams play fast. The Tide play exceedingly fast. And the only UNC-comparable defense they have seen in the SEC belongs to Tennessee. The O/U went 1-1 across UA and TU games in the regular season. The 2nd game was a drama-free Under; the 1st game hit the Over but only with some statistically unlikely transition and perimeter ball cranked out by the Volunteers.

BACK THE UNDER 173.5 (-110) in this one.

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March Madness: Illinois vs. Iowa State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Illinois vs. Iowa State odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Iowa State Cyclones (29-7) battle the Illinois Fighting Illini (28-8) in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament Thursday at TD Garden in Boston. Tip is set for 10:09 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Illinois vs. Iowa State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Illinois, the No. 3 seed in the East Region, throttled the 13th-seeded Morehead State Eagles 85-69 in the 1st round despite taking a 1-point lead into the half. Illinois covered as an 11-point favorite in its first game since winning the Big Ten Tournament. The Fighting Illini then took down the 11th-seeded Duquesne Dukes 89-63, again covering as double-digit (10-point) favorites. Illinois was 17-12-2 against the spread (ATS) in the regular season and is 4-1 ATS in the postseason.

No. 2 seed Iowa State is one of the hottest teams in the country. The Cyclones beat the 15th-seeded South Dakota State Jackrabbits 82-65 in the 1st round and took down the 7th-seeded Washington State Cougars 67-56 in the 2nd round. ISU covered the spreads in both games — as a 15.5-point and a 6.5-point favorite, respectively. The Cyclones won the Big 12 Tournament prior to the NCAA Tourney, beating a No. 1 seed (Houston) in the Big 12 Championship Game. They went 19-10-2 ATS in the regular season and 5-0 ATS in the postseason.

Iowa State is No. 4 and Illinois is No. 10 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Illinois vs. Iowa State odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 4:39 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois +104 (bet $100 to win $104) | Iowa State -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread: Illinois +1.5 (-110) | Iowa State -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Illinois vs. Iowa State picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa State 76, Illinois 73

Moneyline

BET IOWA STATE (-125).

While the spread offers good value as well, this has all the makings of a close game, so taking the moneyline reduces some of that risk.

That said, in the last calendar month, the Cyclones have beaten BYU at home and have neutral-court wins over then-No. 1 Houston and No. 13 Baylor (a No. 3 seed). That’s an impressive resume. They have turned it on as of late due to their extremely strong defense.

Iowa State ranks 34th in the country in opponents’ effective field-goal percentage and has held 5 straight opponents to 65 or fewer. Only 3 teams (Maryland, Nebraska and Rutgers) in the Big Ten (Illinois’ conference) rank higher, and in those 5 regular-season games, the Fighting Illini are 4-1, yet have just 1 win by more than 5 points, a 76-58 Dec. 2 road victory over Rutgers, which didn’t make the NCAA Tournament.

Iowa State is significantly better than each, and the Fighting Illini struggled against those teams. Expect Illinois’ red-hot offense to take a step back. The Illini did lose 2 of their last 5 on the road prior to postseason play.

Considering the trends and the strong Cyclones’ defense, BACK IOWA STATE (-125).

Against the spread

PASS.

The moneyline for the favorite is preferred here.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 145.5 (-110).

Iowa State is 2-3 O/U in the postseason but have scored 76 or more in 3 of its last 5 games, so it has the ability to play at a fast pace and score efficiently.

Illinois scores efficiently as well and plays at one of the quickest paces in the country, scoring at least 85 in 4 straight games and hitting the Over in all 4. It sits 34th (62.0) of 362 programs in field-goal attempts per game. It was 21-10 O/U in the regular season.

While the Iowa State defense is strong, the pace of this game should be quick given Illinois’ style of play. BACK OVER 145.5 (-110).

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March Madness: Clemson vs. Arizona odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Clemson vs. Arizona Sweet 16 odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 6th-seeded Clemson Tigers (23-11) and 2nd-seeded Arizona Wildcats (27-8) meet in a West Region semifinal of the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles will be at 7:09 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook ‘s lines around the Clemson vs. Arizona odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Clemson has thus far advanced with victories over New Mexico and Baylor. On Sunday, the Tigers were +4.5 underdogs against the Bears and beat 3rd-seeded Baylor 72-64. Clemson won the game in wire-to-wire fashion in advancing to the Sweet 16 for the 2nd time in its history.

Arizona, ranked No. 9 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, defeated the 7th-seeded Dayton Flyers 78-68 (covering a -8.5) on Saturday. The Wildcats have thus far held foes to a 36.6% field-goal percentage in this tournament. They are in their 7th Sweet 16 since 2011.

Clemson vs. Arizona odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 3:55 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: Clemson +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Arizona -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Clemson +7.5 (-110) | Arizona -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Clemson vs. Arizona picks and predictions

Prediction

Arizona 81, Clemson 72

Moneyline

At -300, Arizona’s implied win probability is 75%. That’s not an actionable value point, but its not far off. PASS for now, but bettors with enough bankroll to leverage opportunities like this should consider the Wildcats if the tag falls below -290.

Peg UA as being closer to an 80% prospect here. The Wildcats are a robust 8-3 in their Quadrant 1 games (learn more about college hoops quadrants here).

Against the spread

Arizona plays at a faster tempo than Clemson and is the more efficient squad at both ends of the floor. KenPom ranks the Wildcats as being No. 9 in offensive efficiency and No. 10 on defense (CU comes in at Nos. 24 and 38, respectively).

The Tigers have generally fared well against faster teams, but the ACC offered no similar comps to Arizona when it comes to the Wildcats’ rebounding and 3-point shooting. UA ranks in KenPom’s top-20 in both categories and has shot a robust 39.6% from distance in this Tournament.

Arizona can sometimes be leaky in taking care of the basketball, but Clemson is not a take-away type of defense. With Arizona figuring to also have an edge in free throws, BACK THE WILDCATS -7.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

Both sides are riding significant Under trends heading into this one, but this contest sets up as a zag.

Its reasonable to be looking for some regression in Arizona’s defensive field-goal numbers here. Add in what the Wildcats do well — offensive rebounds and put-backs, free throws, 3s — and with those being score-spiral factors, the OVER 151.5 (-115) is a slight lean.

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

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

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The UConn Huskies (33-3) battle the San Diego State Aztecs (26-10) in the Sweet 16 of the East Region Thursday. Tip from TD Garden is set for 7:39 p.m. ET (TBS/truTV). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the San Diego State vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

UConn is No. 1 and San Diego State is No. 25 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

The top-seeded Huskies throttled the 16th-seeded Stetson Hatters 91-52 in the 1st round, covering as a 27.5-point favorite, and then beat 9th-seeded Northwestern Wildcats 75-58 in the 2nd round to cover as a 13-point favorite. UConn was 20-11 against the spread (ATS) in the regular season and is 4-1 ATS this postseason.

The 5th-seeded Aztecs, who lost 68-61 to the New Mexico Lobos in the Mountain West Conference Tournament, beat the 12-seed UAB Blazers 69-65 in their 1st NCAA Tournament game, failing to cover as a 6.5-point favorite. In Round 2 they beat the 13th-seeded Yale Bulldogs 85-57, covering as a 5.5-point favorite. San Diego State was 12-16-1 ATS in the regular season and is 2-3 ATS in its 5 postseason games.

San Diego State vs. UConn odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 3:49 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): San Diego State +490 (bet $100 to win $490) | UConn -710 (bet $710 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): San Diego State +10.5 (-104) | UConn -10.5 (-118)
Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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San Diego State vs. UConn picks and predictions

Prediction

UConn 73, San Diego State 61

Moneyline

PASS.

The Huskies are the far superior side, but not worth a play at -710. For the risky, the Aztecs should be a heavy betting underdog, but they won’t have much value on the moneyline given UConn’s season-long dominance.

Against the spread

BET UCONN -10.5 (-118).

UConn has covered 7 straight games as a double-digit favorite and have dominated teams, including Stetson and Northwestern in the last 2. They are 8-1 ATS on a neutral court this season as well.

The Aztecs may have made a deep run last season in the tournament, but they don’t have the caliber roster and don’t have the same defensive acumen, allowing 68 or more in 3 of 5 postseason games. They barely edged UAB in the 1st round and have failed to cover in 7 of their last 10 games. During the regular season, 4 of San Diego State’s top 5 scoring options shot under 43% from the field.

That inefficiency coupled with UConn’s defense will be a bad mixture for the Aztecs. Take the Huskies to cover and back UCONN -10.5 (-118).

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Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 135.5 (-105).

If the Aztecs want to win, must not try to outrace UConn. They should play at their pace, and sitting 181st in field goal attempts per game (58.2), they play at a slow pace.

San Diego State has gone Under in 6 of its last 10 games. UConn has gone Under in 6 of its last 7 games and has allowed 60 or fewer in 4 of its 5 postseason games. It has the defensive intensity to heavily limit the Aztecs’ already-inefficient offense.

Couple it all together and back UNDER 135.5 (-105).

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

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

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The Yale Bulldogs (23-9) and San Diego State Aztecs (25-10) tangle in an East Region 2nd-round game in Spokane on Sunday. The 13/5 match-up at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena is slated to tip off at 9:40 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook ‘s lines around the Yale vs. San Diego State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Yale, which barely snuck past Brown in the Ivy League Tournament final last Sunday, upset 4-seed Auburn 78-76 as a 14-point underdog on Friday. Now 6-1 over its last 7 games, Yale is a slow-tempo, solidly-efficient team at both ends of the floor and one that does not turn the ball over.

Fifth-seed San Diego State, ranked No. 25 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, failed to cover a 6 1/2-point spread but defeated No. 11 UAB 69-65 in its Friday 1st-rounder. The Aztecs prevailed despite shooting 27.8% from distance (5 of 18) for a 4th time in their last 5 games.

Yale vs. San Diego State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:42 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: Yale +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | San Diego State -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Yale +5.5 (-110) | San Diego State -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 129.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Yale vs. San Diego State picks and predictions

Prediction

San Diego State 68, Yale 64

Moneyline

Any profit is locked up in the middle. Would take Yale +220, so the Bulldogs are a lean. But better relative value can be found against the number.

PASS.

Against the spread

San Diego State is 4-8 ATS in non-conference games. The Aztecs are 2-4 ATS in neutral-site games.

The Bulldogs’ defensive rebounding is key. Yale was solid enough against Auburn Friday and is well-ranked, statistically, in that category. SDSU has edges at the rim and in free-throw frequency. The Aztecs are usually quite capable on the offensive glass, and for a team that doesn’t do much from 3-point-land, those 2nd-chance points will determine how successful SDSU is.

Yale is No. 79 on KenPom. SDSU has recently played No. 70 UNLV twice and No. 106 UAB; the Aztecs went 0-3 ATS in those contests.

BACK THE BULLDOGS +5.5 (-110).

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Over/Under

The Over is 5-2 across 7 SDSU tournament games.

Both teams have filed slow pace figures this season (KenPom rates Yale’s tempo as 327th). But a game inside 2 possessions would likely spiral the points the last 5 minutes. That projected closeness of the game, coupled with the Aztecs’ ability to draw fouls, makes the OVER 128.5 (-110) a solid zag play against the current.

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March Madness: Texas A&M vs. Houston odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Texas A&M vs. Houston odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The 9th-seeded Texas A&M Aggies (21-14) face the top-seeded Houston Cougars (31-4) Friday in a 2nd-round game in the NCAA Tournament. Tip from FedExForum in Memphis is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Texas A&M vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Texas A&M put on an offensive show in its 98-83 victory over the 9-seed Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday in the 1st round, covering the 2.5-point spread as the Over (136) easily cashed. Three A&M starters topped 20 points, led by G Wade Taylor IV‘s 25 points and a double-double from G Tyrece Radford (20 points and 10 rebounds). Texas A&M has won and covered the spread in 6 of its last 7 games.

No. 1 Houston handled its business on Friday, destroying the Longwood Lancers 86-46 to easily cover the 24-point spread as the Over (129.5) cashed. The Cougars did what they do best, play suffocating defense, and they forced 18 Longwood turnovers. You fully expected Houston to come out and perform like after their embarrassing 69-41 loss in the Big 12 title game to Iowa State.

Houston is No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Texas A&M vs. Houston odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:18 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Texas A&M +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Houston -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
Against the spread: Texas A&M +9.5 (-102) | Houston -9.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Texas A&M vs. Houston picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston 81, Texas A&M 65

Moneyline

PASS.

You should obviously avoid betting Houston (-550) as these odds are too high. That’s just not smart sports betting. Back the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

BET HOUSTON -9.5 (-120).

I’m obviously not alone on this, but I’ve got Houston winning the tournament in my bracket. I love this team because not only do they play the best defense of any team in the country, but they have senior leadership in the backcourt running the show. Guard play could not be more important in the Big Dance and they’ve got the best combo in the country. The Cougars have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5.

I know Texas A&M is playing great ball, but Houston can lock down the Aggies leading scorer (Taylor 19.0 PPG) and force them to look elsewhere for answers on offense.

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Over/Under

AVOID.

I have never trusted betting totals when it comes to the Cougars. They play great defense which can be deceiving when it comes to the O/U. Oddsmakers are tempting you to take the Under putting it a bit higher than usual, and I’m not going to buy into it. I’d rather just avoid it and keep my bet to the spread.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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