NCAA Tournament betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Championship Game: Purdue-UConn best prop bets

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

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

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

Purdue vs. UConn odds

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

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

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Purdue vs. UConn and predictions

Prediction

UConn 75, Purdue 67

Moneyline

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

PASS and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

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

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

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

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Over/Under

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NC State vs. Purdue odds

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

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

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NC State vs. Purdue and predictions

Prediction

Purdue 76, NC State 69

Moneyline

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

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

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

Against the spread

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

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

Still, tread lightly.

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Over/Under

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

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

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

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

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

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The NC State Wolfpack (25-14) and Duke Blue Devils (27-8) meet Sunday in Elite 8 action in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the American Airlines Center is slated for 5:05 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Duke vs. NC State odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 4th-seeded Blue Devils surprised the top seed in the South Region, the 1st-seeded Houston Cougars. Duke won a low-scoring defensive battle 54-51 as the Under (134) was never in question. Now, Duke is the top remaining seed in the South Region.

Duke has won and covered 3 straight games since losing in the ACC Tournament to NC State on March 14. The Wolfpack won that tourney game 74-69 outright as an 11-point underdog as the Under (146) connected. The Blue Devils blasted the Wolfpack 79-64 in the previous meeting on March 4 in Raleigh, covering as a 6-point favorite as the Under (150.5) cashed.

NC State has had an amazing postseason ride, winning 5 games in 5 days at the ACC Tournament to win the title, while winning 8 consecutive outings in the ACC tourney and NCAA Tournament. The Wolfpack has covered 6 of the past 7 games, including each of the previous 6 outings as an underdog.

Duke was No. 14 and NC State was unranked in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll of the regular season.

NC State vs. Duke odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:01 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): NC State +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Duke -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread: NC State +7.5 (-120) | Duke -7.5 (+100)
Over/Under (O/U): 143.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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NC State vs. Duke and predictions

Prediction

Duke 72, NC State 67

Moneyline

Duke (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s quite expensive, especially against a conference rival which knows it well. These teams will be playing for the 3rd time since March 4.

NC State (+300) has been amazing story, but all good things come to an end. Sometimes we get attached to a Cinderella story, but you can’t bet what you might want to happen, you have to use your head. Duke is the better team, and it will show Sunday.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

NC STATE +7.5 (-120) is playing with a lot of confidence. While Duke -7.5 (+100) should be able to get the job done, these teams have split the 2 meetings since March 4, with the Wolfpack winning outright in Washington D.C. as an 11-point underdog on a neutral floor.

The Wolfpack has won and covered each of the past 6 games as an underdog. NC State is also 7-2 ATS in the past 9 games on a neutral floor, too. The Pack is likely to run out of gas, but it should have enough left in the tank to keep it within 4 buckets.

Duke used a suffocating defense to beat Houston, the No. 2 team in the nation, at its own game. Look for the Blue Devils to ride a hot defense to splash cold water on the Pack.

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Over/Under

UNDER 143.5 (-115) is worth a look in this Elite 8 matchup, and ACC rivalry game.

NC State has cashed the Under in 2 of the 3 NCAA tournament games, while allowing 69 or fewer points in 5 of the past 7 postseason outings. The Under has cashed in both meetings with Duke since March 4, too.

For Duke, it has leaned heavily upon its defense to get the job done in the NCAA Tournament, allowing an average of just 51.0 PPG in 3 outings, with the Under going 4-0 in the postseason, and 7-1 in the past 8 games. The Under is 14-3 in the past 17 outings dating back to Jan. 27, too.

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

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

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

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The Northwestern Wildcats (22-11) and UConn Huskies (32-3) meet Sunday in 2nd-round action in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the Barclays Center is slated for 7:45 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Northwestern vs. UConn odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Northwestern bounced FAU in the 1st-round 77-65 in overtime, dismissing one of last season’s Final Four teams. Now, the Wildcats draw the defending champs.

Northwestern had won just once in 4 games prior to its slight upset of FAU in Round 1, cashing the Under (142.5) despite the extra session. The Under is 2-0 in the postseason for the Wildcats, while going 7-3 in the previous 10 outings.

The No. 1 overall seed UConn spanked 16-seed Stetson on Friday 91-52 as it covered as 27.5-point favorites. The Under (146) hung on, and is 3-1 in 4 postseason games for the Huskies. The total has also gone low in 5 of the past 6 games since March 6 at Marquette, allowing 60 or fewer points in 4 of the past 5 contests.

UConn has been hot against the number, too, going 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in 4 postseason outings, while going 7-1 ATS in the past 8 games, and 10-2 ATS across the previous 12 contests.

UConn was No. 1 in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll of the regular season, while Northwestern was unranked.

Northwestern vs. UConn odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:43 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Northwestern +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | UConn -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100)
Against the spread: Northwestern +14.5 (-115) | UConn -14.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 135.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Northwestern vs. UConn and predictions

Prediction

UConn 76, Northwestern 57

Moneyline

UConn (-1400) will set you back 14 times your potential return, and while it should go without saying, there is never a reason to bet such a heavy favorite, either straight up or as part of a parlay.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

UCONN -14.5 (-105) is an awfully big number, but it’s worth playing lightly.

Northwestern +14.5 (-115) took advantage of sloppy play by FAU in the opening game, particularly in the 1st half. The Wildcats coaxed the Owls into 21 turnovers, while Northwestern was a plus-6 in the rebounding department. That’s simply not going to happen against a well disciplined and experienced Huskies team.

The Wildcats might hang for the 1st half of the 1st 20 minutes, but look for the defending champs to pull away in the 2nd half, and perhaps flirt with a 20-point win before the dust settles.

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Over/Under

UNDER 135.5 (-105) is a low number, but the Huskies just don’t allow a lot of open looks.

The Wildcats were hitting a lot of circus shots, particularly in the 2nd half and into overtime against FAU, but Northwestern is going to struggle against the suffocating defense of UConn. And the Huskies aren’t going to give up nearly the same amount of open looks from the perimeter which Northwestern saw on Friday.

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

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March Madness: Grand Canyon vs. Alabama odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Grand Canyon vs. Alabama odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Grand Canyon Antelopes (30-4) and Alabama Crimson Tide (22-11) meet Sunday in 2nd-round action in the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the Spokane (Wash.) Veterans Memorial Arena is slated for 7:10 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Grand Canyon vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Grand Canyon picked up its 1st-ever NCAA Tournament victory on Friday night against Saint Mary’s, as the 12th seed upset the 5th seed in Spokane. The Antelopes won 75-66 as 5.5-point underdogs as the Over (132) cashed. That’s 6 straight victories and covers since consecutive losses in the WAC on the road against Tarleton State and Abilene Christian Feb. 22-24.

The SEC has had an ugly NCAA Tournament, but Alabama was able to avoid the upset bug with a 109-96 win over Charleston in the opening round, covering as 8.5-point favorites as the Over (172.5) easily connected. Bama shot a blistering 60% (36 of 60) from the field, including 57% (13 of 23) from behind the 3-point line.

If there was a concern for Alabama in the 1st game, it managed just a 65% (24 of 37) mark from the free-throw line. It can’t leave that many points on the floor in a close game. Mark Sears did his part at the line, though, hitting 9 of 11, finishing with a team-best 30 points with 5 assists and 4 rebounds, while knocking down 3 triples.

Alabama was No. 18 in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll of the regular season, while Grand Canyon was unranked.

Grand Canyon vs. Alabama odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:26 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Grand Canyon +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Alabama -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread: Grand Canyon +5.5 (-105) | Alabama -5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 168.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Grand Canyon vs. Alabama and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 95, Grand Canyon 84

Moneyline

Alabama (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s just a little too expensive for a singular bet. Even as part of a multi-bet parlay, including Bama on your ticket sucks a lot of value out.

PASS, and look to the line instead.

Against the spread

ALABAMA -5.5 (-115) is a strong play laying the points. Grand Canyon +5.5 (-105) was sharp against Saint Mary’s, and it has won and covered 6 in a row. But this Crimson Tide offense is a whole other animal, and it can routinely score into the 90’s and 100’s.

The Antelopes are likely to be right there in the 1st half, as G Tyon Grant-Foster can fill up the stat sheet, and he is 1 of 3 players who averaged 13.4 PPG or more during the season. But depth will be an issue down the stretch, and the Crimson Tide should pull away for a comfortable margin of victory to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16 in style.

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Over/Under

OVER 168.5 (-110) is the best play on the board.

Alabama can put up lofty offensive totals, and it doesn’t focus much at the defensive end. We’ll likely get a very wide-open and entertaining basketball game, especially if you like points.

The Antelopes have been cooking offensively, too. Grand Canyon cashed the Over against Saint Mary’s, and the total has gone high in each of its 3 postseason games to date. The Over is 9-4 in the past 13 games, too.

For the Crimson Tide, they’ve gone for 87 or more points in 4 in a row, and 9 of the past 10 outings, with the Over going 11-1 in the past 12 games. One of the scariest things to do this season is take a chance on an Alabama Under. Don’t do it.

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

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

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

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The Dayton Flyers (25-7) and Arizona Wildcats (26-8) start off Saturday’s NCAA Tournament 2nd-round action. Tip-off from the Delta Center in Salt Lake City is slated for 12:45 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Dayton vs. Arizona odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Dayton, the 7th seed in the West Region, rallied from a 17-point deficit to beat 10th-seeded Nevada 63-60 in the 1st round Thursday. UD trailed 56-39 with 7:15 to go in the 2nd half before going on a 24-4 run to close the game and stun the Wolf Pack, who went ice-cold from the field down the stretch.

The Flyers hit 45.7% from the field, and 42.1% (8 of 19) from behind the 3-point line, while converting 13 of 15 free throws (86.7%). F DaRon Holmes scored 8 of his game-high 18 points during the final run. Dayton was a 1-point underdog and the Under (137) hit.

Arizona, the No. 2 seed, scorched 15th-seeded Long Beach State 85-65 Thursday — the Wildcats pushed as 20-point favorites and the Under (163) cashed. Despite the push, Arizona is a healthy 7-3-2 against the spread (ATS) in the past 12 games, while the Under has connected in 4 in a row, and 7 of the past 9 outings.

The Wildcats had 5 players — all starters — go for double-digit scoring totals, led by G Kylan Boswell’s 20 points, including 4 3-pointers. Arizona was 37.1% behind the arc, hitting 13 of 35 attempts.

Arizona is No. 9 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, while Dayton fell out of the Top 25 following a A-10 quarterfinal loss to Duquesne — the Flyers had been ranked most of the season, climbing as high as No. 16.

Dayton vs. Arizona odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:49 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Dayton +375 (bet $100 to win $375) | Arizona -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
Against the spread: Dayton +9.5 (-105) | Arizona -9.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 149.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Dayton vs. Arizona and predictions

Prediction

Arizona 80, Dayton 63

Moneyline

Arizona (-500) costs too much to play straight up. One would have to risk 5 times the potential profit. As a long-term betting strategy, that’s just a losing way to go.

Dayton (+375) cannot be trusted for the big upset. It is lucky to be here and probably shouldn’t even be in this game, but Nevada played not to lose once it had a big lead Thursday, rather than playing to win.

Don’t get me wrong. The Flyers are a talented team which made noise at times, but the Wildcats are just too strong from top to bottom, and size will make a huge difference.

PASS.

Against the spread

ARIZONA -9.5 (-115) is a strong play laying the points. The Wildcats took care of business in their opener against Long Beach State, not playing down to the competition, but playing their game and dictating the tempo. The Wildcats have been a team playing free, letting talent take over, and not worrying about adjusting to the style of the opponent.

Dayton dug itself out of a deep hole against Nevada in the 1st round. That’s great, and it was a solid effort and comeback. The Flyers can’t afford to do that against the ‘Cats, or they will get buried by a more talented squad.

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

Over/Under

UNDER 149.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board.

The Under has hit in 4 straight games for the Wildcats as the defense has picked up the pace. Arizona has allowed 67 or fewer points in those 4 outings, and in 6 of the past 8. Arizona has tremendous size in the interior, and it is likely to push Dayton around a bit.

The Flyers won a Under game against the Wolf Pack in the 1st round, and the Under cashed an vs. Duquesne in the A-10 Tournament loss. Prior to the conference tournament, the Over was on a 6-0 run for Dayton to close out the regular season. But the Flyers are facing much better teams in the postseason. Look for the total to go Under again in Round 2.

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

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March Madness: Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Grand Canyon Antelopes (29-4) and Saint Mary’s Gaels (26-7) meet Friday for an NCAA Tournament 1st-round game. Tip-off from the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena is scheduled for approximately 10:05 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The Antelopes racked up a pair of wins and covers against Seattle and UT Arlington in the WAC Tournament, covering both times as 6-point favorites. GRC has won and covered 5 in a row in since back-to-back losses to Tarleton State and Abilene Christian Feb. 22-24. The Over has cashed in 2 in a row, while going 5-3 in the past 8 outings.

The Gaels — who are No. 15 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll — topped Santa Clara (semifinal) and Gonzaga (title game) in the WCC Tournament, covering both times while splitting the total. Saint Mary’s has won 18 of the past 19 games, with only a 13-point setback at home in Moraga, Calif., against the Zags in the regular-season finale. SMC is 8-2 against the spread (ATS) in the past 10 games, and 12-4 ATS in the past 16 outings.

This is the 1st meeting between these teams since March 1, 2016, when Saint Mary’s won 73-64 at home.

Can you survive? USA TODAY Sports’ Men and Women’s Basketball Tournament Survivor Pools are here with a $2,500 prize for each contest! Free to enter, 21+. Terms apply, void where prohibited by law. See Official Rules. Play now!

Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:24 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Grand Canyon +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Saint Mary’s -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread: Grand Canyon +5.5 (-110) | Saint Mary’s -5.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Grand Canyon vs. Saint Mary’s picks and predictions

Prediction

Saint Mary’s 74, Grand Canyon 62

Moneyline

Saint Mary’s (-250) will cost 2½ times the potential return. It could be a struggle initially before talent takes over and the Gaels pull away in the second half.

Backing the ML at this price is too risky to play Saint Mary’s straight up, however, or even as part of a multi-team parlay without any boosts.

PASS, and focus on the spread instead.

Against the spread

SAINT MARY’S -5.5 (-110) is a tremendous play laying less than 3 buckets.

This is a team which has spent a majority of the season in the Top 25, and with the exception for a loss to Gonzaga in the regular-season finale, it was rather perfect since the holidays. Plus, that Gonzaga game was rather meaningless since Saint Mary’s already had the WCC regular-season title wrapped up.

Grand Canyon did score a win at San Diego State against the defending national runner-up back in early December. However, this is a team which dropped consecutive games to Tarleton State and Abilene Christian just a few weeks ago, and it went just 4-3 in the final 7 regular-season games. The Antelopes have been a sexy upset pick, but make no mistake, the Gaels are for real, and will blow past GRC.

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

Over/Under

OVER 131.5 (-105) might be the best play on the board in this final game of the Friday slate.

The Antelopes averaged 84.5 points per game in their 2 WAC Tourney games, while allowing 73.0 PPG. This team has a powerful offense, but the 3-point shooting can be rather erratic. Defensively, the Antelopes are very good, and that’s what will keep them in the game, at least early on.

Saint Mary’s rolled up 76 or more points in 6 of the past 9 outings, while cashing the Over at a 5-2 clip in the past 7 games. The Gaels are gifted offensively, going for 74.3 PPG, while hitting shots at a 46.7% pace from the field. Defensively, the Gaels are very good, and the Antelopes will have a tough time. Still, the total is rather low, and the Over should just come in late.

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

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

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

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The Charleston Cougars (27-7) and Alabama Crimson Tide (21-11) meet Friday for an NCAA Tournament 1st-round game. Tip-off from the Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, Wash., is scheduled for approximately 7:35 p.m. ET (truTV). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Charleston vs. Alabama odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 13-seeded Cougars of the Coastal Athletic Association, formerly the Colonial, won 3 games in its conference tournament to punch its ticket to the Big Dance. Charleston topped Towson by just 5 in the semifinals, and it edged Stony Brook in OT by just 3 in the final. It has failed to cover the past 2 outings after a 5-0 against the spread (ATS) run.

Charleston faced 3 teams in the NCAA Tournament field, losing by 18 points to Duquesne and by 9 points to Vermont in neutral-site games, while falling by 16 at FAU. The Cougars are also 0-3 ATS in 3 games against NCAA Tournament teams this season.

The 4th-seeded Crimson Tide struggled down the stretch, dropped 4 of the past 6 games, including its 1st game of the SEC Tournament against Florida. The Crimson Tide is also 0-4 ATS in the past 4 games, and 1-6 ATS in the previous 7 outings.

Alabama ranked No. 1 in the country with 90.8 PPG scored, and the Tide enters the NCAA Tournament on a 3-0 Over run, while cashing the Over in 10 of the past 11 games. Alabama is No. 18 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Charleston vs. Alabama 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 8:34 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Charleston +375 (bet $100 to win $375) | Alabama -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Charleston +9.5 (-110) | Alabama -9.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 173.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Charleston vs. Alabama picks and predictions

Prediction

Alabama 95, Charleston 82

Moneyline

Alabama (-500) will cost you 5 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward. Even as part of a multi-team parlay, including Bama sucks all of the value out of your ticket.

PASS, and focus on the spread instead.

Against the spread

ALABAMA -9.5 (-110) is worth a look, especially if it remains under double digits.

The Crimson Tide has a tremendous resume, with wins over NCAA Tournament teams Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State (x2), Morehead State, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and everybody’s favorite tournament snub, Indiana State.

Charleston +9.5 (-110), on the other hand, is 0-3 SU/ATS in 3 games against NCAA Tournament teams, losing by an average of 14.3 PPG against those opponents.

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

Over/Under

OVER 173.5 (-105) is a strong play.

Alabama was the highest-scoring team in the regular season, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see this team go for triple digits. Charleston allowed 73.3 PPG, which was in the bottom 3rd in the nation, while teams had a 44.4% field-goal percentage against the Cougars, while hitting 3s at a 33.6% clip. However, Charleston can move, and score the basketball, averaging 81.0 PPG.

Look for this game to be a rather high-scoring affair in Spokane.

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

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