Tag: NCAA Tournament odds lines picks predictions

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

Previewing Sunday’s Michigan Wolverines vs. Florida State Seminoles odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The top-seeded Michigan Wolverines (22-4) take on the No. 4 seed Florida State Seminoles (18-6) in an East Region Sweet 16 game Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m. ET at Indianapolis’ Bankers Life Fieldhouse and will be aired on CBS. Below, we analyze the Michigan-Florida State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Wolverines beat No. 16 seed Texas Southern 82-66 in the first round and fended off eighth-seeded LSU 86-78 in their next game. While they didn’t cover the 24.5-point spread in the opener, the Big Ten regular-season champs covered as 4-point favorites vs. LSU.

Michigan is without senior F Isaiah Livers, who suffered a season-ending stress fracture in his foot in UM’s Big Ten Tournament opener. Livers started all 23 games he played this season, averaging 13.1 PPG and 6.0 RPG, while hitting a team-best 50 3-pointers (shooting 43.1% behind the arc).

Junior F Brandon Johns Jr. has started in Livers’ place. He has averaged 9.0 PPG and 3.5 RPG in Michigan’s two tourney games, while senior G Eli Brooks averaged a team-high 16.0 PPG and Big Ten Freshman of the Year C Hunter Dickinson chipped in 14.0 PPG.

FSU defeated 13th-seeded UNC Greensboro 64-54 in the first round but came up a “hook” short as a 10-point favorite. The Seminoles had no problem covering as 1-point faves in their next game, cruising past No. 5 seed Colorado 71-53.

Junior F RaiQuan Gray‘s 17 points and 7 rebounds led the way in the opener, while  junior G Anthony Polite knocked down a game-high 22 points vs. Colorado and is averaging a team-best 17.0 PPG in the tourney.

Michigan is ranked No. 4 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. Florida State is 14th.

The winner advances to a Tuesday Elite Eight showdown against either second-seeded Alabama or 11th-seeded UCLA, who also play Sunday.

Michigan vs. Florida State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Michigan -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Florida State +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Michigan -2.5 (-110) | Florida State +2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 143.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

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

Prediction

Florida State 72, Michigan 69

Money line (ML)

Bet a HALF-UNIT on FLORIDA STATE (+125). The Big Ten, which had nine teams make the tourney, has been a total flop as Michigan is the only  team remaining. Behind that trend and with Livers out, there’s no reason to believe the Wolverines don’t get shown the door like the rest of their Big Ten peers.

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Against the spread (ATS)

FLORIDA STATE +2.5 (-110) is the way to go. Losing to Georgia Tech in the ACC title game might be the best thing that could have happened to the Seminoles.

They’re refocused and now get the chance to avenge a 58-54 Elite Eight game 2018 loss to Michigan.

ATS records: Michigan 18-8 | Florida State 12-10-2

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 143.5 (-110) is also worth a HALF-UNIT bet. FSU allowed 53.5 PPG in its two tourney games. Michigan’s offense averaged 84.0 PPG in its two tourney wins, but this isn’t against Texas Southern or LSU.

O/U records: Michigan 11-15 | Florida State 14-8-2

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JOHNNY PARLAY’S RECORD W-L SP ROI
College hoops since Jan. 1 73-65-1 34-36 +2.175
2021 record (all sports) 93-79-1 46-39 +12.5
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

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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: Houston vs. Syracuse odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Houston Cougars vs. Syracuse Orange odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The Houston Cougars (26-3) take on the Syracuse Orange (18-9) in a Midwest Region Sweet 16 game Saturday night. The second-seeded Cougars and 11th-seeded Orange will tip-off at 9:55 p.m. ET at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Houston-Syracuse odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

With their offense leading the way, the Cougars reeled off seven straight wins before heading to Indiana. After wins over Cleveland State and Rutgers — the latter via a monster comeback late in the game — the Cougar win streak now stands at nine.

Over those nine straight wins, Houston has been improved in taking care of the basketball with just 8.2 turnovers per contest and in launching it from beyond the 3-point arc (37.8% accuracy).

A peaking-at-the-right-time Syracuse five is 5-1 over its last six games and 8-3 over its last 11. G Buddy Boeheim has had the hot hand in that Orange surge. Boeheim — who has scored 55 points in the tournament — has averaged 24.2 points over his last nine games. Over its two tourney wins, the Orange outshot their foes (San Diego State and West Virginia), 53.5% to 36.5%.

Houston vs. Syracuse: Odds, spread and lines

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

  • Money line: Houston -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Syracuse +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Houston -6 (-110) | Syracuse +6 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 140 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

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

Prediction

Houston 74, Syracuse 70

Money line (ML)

The Cougars are the more talented team at both ends of the floor, but the lean on the ATS play is toward Syracuse. Houston (-275) may offer a sliver of value for the straight-up win.

Consider middling the play by taking Syracuse plus the points and Houston outright if the price on the Cougars should fall a bit.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Orange have strung together some high-level performances this month, and their offensive trend line is particularly impressive. Syracuse is 6-0 ATS in March and four of those covers have been by ATS margins of 7-plus points.

The Cougars are unaccustomed to a five-day layoff; the last time they had one was followed by an ATS disaster against Wichita State Feb. 18. Conversely, SU has put up solid shooting numbers following recent layoffs.

Syracuse has fared well lately against slow-down styles like the one played by Houston in recent ATS wins against San Diego State, Virginia and Clemson. Peg the Orange as getting this one close to one-possession territory.

BACK SYRACUSE +6 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

This total figures as perhaps 3 points too low. The Syracuse offense deserves enough respect to lean both teams into the 70s.

BACK THE OVER 140 (-110).

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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

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March Madness: Baylor vs. Villanova odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Baylor Bears vs. Villanova Wildcats odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The Baylor Bears (24-2) take on the Villanova Wildcats (18-6) in a South Region Sweet 16 game Saturday. The top-seeded Bears and fifth-seeded Wildcats will tip-off at 5:15 p.m. ET at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Baylor-Villanova odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Baylor finished No. 3 in the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports. The high-scoring Bears (85.3 points per game, third NCAA) won their first 18 games this season. They fell 83-74 to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament, but they’ve coasted to two wins over Hartford and Wisconsin in this tournament.

The Wildcats advanced to this level with two relatively easy wins: A 73-63 triumph over Winthrop and an 84-61 victory over North Texas. ‘Nova is solid at both ends of the floor. On offense, the Wildcats are frequent launchers of 3-point attempts. In their Sunday win over UNT, they went 15-for-30 from distance to match a season-high for most treys made.

Baylor vs. Villanova: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Baylor -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Villanova +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Baylor -7.5 (-110) | Villanova +7.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

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

Prediction

Baylor 75, Villanova 70

Money line (ML)

The Bears are first in the nation in 3-point accuracy (42.9%). Baylor creates a lot of turnovers (37 through two tourney games) which fuels a solid transition game.

Villanova is trying to make a March run without senior G Collin Gillespie (knee), who averaged 14.0 points and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 37.6% from beyond the arc in 20 games this season.

Defensively, the Wildcats are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Over their last eight games, the Wildcats have held opponents to a 39.6% mark from the floor and a 29.9% mark from 3-point land. They just haven’t played anything really all that close to what this BU offense has to offer.

Peg Baylor as a near-80% proposition Saturday; BACK THE BEARS (-300).

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Against the spread (ATS)

The Bears are 3-6 against the spread in their last nine games.

Confidence in Baylor to win by three or more scores is not high. PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 8-2 in the Bears’ last 10 games. Among the group of teams remaining, BU’s defense is below average. The game flow of this contest leans toward the leader down the stretch answering runs with baskets, not stops.

TAKE THE OVER 140.5 (-110) which figures as the strongest of these three plays.

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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: Oregon State vs. Loyola Chicago odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Oregon State vs. Loyola Chicago odds and lines, with March Madness Sweet 16 picks and predictions.

The No. 12 seed Oregon State Beavers (19-12) take on the No. 8 seed Loyola Chicago Ramblers (26-4) Saturday in a Midwest Region Sweet 16 contest at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:40 p.m. ET on CBS. Below, we analyze the Oregon State-Loyola Chicago odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Beavers have been underdogs in all five of their postseason games to date, and they have won all five games outright. The Pac-12 Tournament champions sure picked the right time to get hot. They have scored 70 or more points in each of the five outings since losing 80-67 to Oregon in the regular-season finale March 7.

Overall they’re 12-1 ATS across their past 13 games, and they’re also 15-3 ATS across their past 18 as underdogs, too.

The Ramblers have certainly made 101-year-old Sister Jean proud, rattling off victories against Georgia Tech and Illinois to punch their ticket to the Sweet 16. Of course, the Sister had her Ramblers heading into this round and beyond on her bracket.

Loyola scored 71 points in each of its NCAA Tournament games so far while allowing 60 to Georgia Tech in the first round, and 58 against No. 1-seeded Illinois last time out. C Cameron Krutwig has been a man among boys to date, going for 15.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.6 SPG and 1.2 BPG in five postseason outings.

Oregon State vs. Loyola Chicago: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:10 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Oregon State +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Loyola Chicago -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Oregon State +6.5 (-110) | Loyola Chicago -6.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 125.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

Oregon State vs. Loyola Chicago: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Loyola Chicago 63, Oregon State 57

Money line (ML)

Loyola Chicago (-300) will cost you three times your potential return, and that’s not a good long-term betting strategy. It’s not a good short-term strategy in the NCAA Tournament, either, as we have witnessed numerous upsets thus far.

This year’s Sweet 16 features the lowest average seed of any year since the tourney expanded to 64 teams back in 1985.

PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

OREGON STATE +6.5 (-110) is worth playing lightly, although it might require a backdoor cover in the final ticks.

The Beavers have been red-hot against the number, but Loyola Chicago is no slouch, either, going 5-0 ATS across five postseason games.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 125.5 (-110) is the way to go, although it is likely to be rather tight. The Under is 6-3 in the past nine games for the Ramblers, which should come as no surprise since they have the nation’s best scoring defense at just 55.7 PPG allowed.

The Ramblers are more like the Amblers on the offensive end, going low and slow. They’re a good shooting team, but they average just 71.6 PPG to check-in 174th in the country.

Oregon State has been on an Over run lately, going 7-1 across its past eight games, but the Beavers haven’t played a lockdown defense like Loyola’s.

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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How much would you have won if you correctly bet every March Madness first-round upset?

Hindsight is always 20-20, but predicting all of the March Madness Tournament first-round upsets would have been golden at sportsbooks.

The first round of the 2021 March Madness Tournament saw quite a few upsets, shaking up the NCAA Tournament, making plenty of bet slips losers and blowing up March Madness Brackets around the country – mine was toast after the first game. Ouch.

While a painful, and expensive, reminder on some of them, here were the upsets during the first round of the Tournament:

  • No. 15 seed Oral Roberts defeated No. 2 seed Ohio State 75-72 in OT
  • No. 11 seed Syracuse bested No. 6 seed San Diego State 78-62
  • No. 13 seed North Texas took out No. 4 seed Purdue 78-69 in OT
  • No. 12 seed Oregon State beat No. 5 seed Tennessee 70-56
  • No. 10 seed Rutgers outlasted No. 7 seed Clemson 60-56
  • No. 13 seed Ohio beat No. 4 seed Virginia 62-58
  • No. 10 seed Maryland beat No. 7 seed UConn 63-54
  • No. 14 seed Abilene Christian snuck by No. 3 seed Texas 53-52

Of those games, only Rutgers, a seed underdog thus their inclusion here, was a money line favorite at BetMGM Sportsbook to win their matchup. The rest were all money line and seed underdogs, with Oral Roberts (+900 – bet $100 to profit $900) the biggest ‘dog of them all to pull a massive upset.

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

While it would have been wonderful — and darn near impossible — to predict all of those upsets, what would you have profited if you bet $100 on each of those underdog money lines?

  • Oral Roberts (+900):  $900 profit
  • Syracuse (+135): $135 profit
  • North Texas (+265): $265 profit
  • Oregon State (+340): $340 profit
  • Rutgers (-125): $80 profit
  • Ohio (+260): $260 profit
  • Abilene Christian (+310): $310 profit

BetMGM Sportsbook would have paid out $3,090 worth of winning bet slips, good for a healthy $2,290 profit.

Now what if you ran with a parlay bet focused on all of those underdogs winning? A $1 parlay bet would have profited a massive $10,026.47.

Or, if you’re of the go-big-or-go-home mentality and threw a $100 at that same parlay, you’d have profited a cool $1,002,702.89. Not a bad first-round payday, huh?

Now, to be fair, everyone would have told you that you just threw your money away making such a wild bet… please remember to gamble responsibly.

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March Madness: Kansas vs. USC odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Kansas vs. USC odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The No. 3 seed Kansas Jayhawks (21-8) take on the No. 6 seed USC Trojans (23-7) Monday in a West Region second-round contest at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Kansas-USC odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Jayhawks ground out a 93-84 win against Eastern Washington of the Big Sky Conference in Round 1; they failed to cover a 10.5-point number. Still, while the defense was a little bit of a concern, the offensive production was top-notch. Rock Chalk had five players in double digits for points, including G Marcus Garrett with 20 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.

USC spanked Drake 72-56 in the first round; the Trojans coasted to a cover as 7.5-point favorites. Casual fans might be impressed if they’re just tuning in, but the Trojans have been playing that type of lockdown defense all season. They were 38th in the country with 64.1 points per game allowed, and 11th in defensive field-goal percentage at 39.1%.

If they have an Achilles’ heel, it’s defending the triple, as USC allowed foes to hit 33.6% from behind the arc, just 173rd overall. The good news is KU is marginal in that category, hitting just 34.3% to rank 149th overall.

Kansas vs. USC: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Kansas +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | USC -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Kansas +1.5 (-110) | USC -1.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 134.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

Kansas vs. USC: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Kansas 72, USC 69

Money line (ML)

KANSAS (+105) is the higher seed but is the underdog. That’s a complete lack of disrespect for one of college’s blue bloods.

It also makes no sense given the fact the Jayhawks are 9-1 straight up and 7-2-1 ATS across their past 10 outings. Perhaps the books are still not sold on KU after it had to cut the Big 12 Tournament short due to COVID-19 protocols. The Jayhawks’ 93 points in the first round was their most since Feb. 11 against Iowa State (97).

USC is a very good team, but it’s just 5-4 SU and 3-6 ATS across its past nine games. Something just doesn’t compute here. Take advantage.

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Against the spread (ATS)

Kansas +1.5 (-110) doesn’t make much sense against the spread. Just take the money line for a better value, unless you truly expect this to be a one-point game.

PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 134.5 (-110) is the lean, as the Trojans have hit the Over in six of their past seven games after a straight-up win, and in four of their past five after a cover.

Kansas rolled up big numbers against EWU and has hit the Over in five of its past six neutral-site games, and six of its past seven NCAA Tournament games. The Over is also a perfect 6-0 in the past six for Kansas as a neutral-site underdog.

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

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More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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

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

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

Previewing Monday’s Alabama Crimson Tide vs. Maryland Terrapins odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The Alabama Crimson Tide (25-6) take on the Maryland Terrapins (17-13) in an East Region second-round game Monday night. The second-seeded Crimson Tide and 10th-seeded Terrapins will tip off at 8:45 p.m. ET at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Alabama-Maryland odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Alabama followed up its SEC tourney title with a 68-55 NCAA first-round triumph over Iona. The Crimson Tide have won seven straight and have outscored opponents by 11.9 points per game over that stretch. UA launches a ton of 3’s (29.9 per game to rank fourth nationally), but was just 5-for-16 (31.3%) Saturday. In eight neutral-site games this season, the Tide shot a mere 31.5%.

Maryland, which was under .500 in Big Ten play at 9-11, defeated Connecticut 63-54 in a convincing for a first-round victory Saturday. The Terrapins outshot the Huskies 51.2% to 32.3%. Maryland ended the regular season with disappointing losses to Northwestern and Penn State. Save for below-average metrics in offensive rebounding and forcing turnovers, the Terps have posted solid overall numbers and are on a decent trend line.

Alabama vs. Maryland: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 11:20 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Alabama -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Maryland +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Alabama -5.5 (-110) | Maryland +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 138 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

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

Prediction

Alabama 71, Maryland 64

Money line (ML)

Both teams are loaded with young talent, but a senior-laden Alabama frontcourt figures to cause havoc on the offensive boards and get more inside looks in this match-up. The Tide’s tremendous perimeter defense is icing on the cake.

Take ALABAMA (-250).

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Against the spread (ATS)

The factors you’d want to see from a Maryland side are the ability to score single points (getting to the foul line), put-back points, or transition points. None of those figure as check marks on the Terps side of the ledger. Counting on triples against an Alabama defense, which has held foes to a 25.5% mark from beyond the arc since Feb. 1, is a fool’s errand.

Back the CRIMSON TIDE -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 6-1 in the Terps’ last seven, and it’s 4-1 in UA’s last five neutral-site games.

Alabama plays at a fast pace (although a much toned-down pace of late). Maryland plays at a slow pace. Both sides have significant Under trends when playing clash-of-style games.

Take the UNDER 138 (-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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March Madness: Michigan vs. LSU odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Michigan Wolverines vs. LSU Tigers odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The No. 1 seed Michigan Wolverines (21-4) take on the No. 8 seed LSU Tigers (19-9) Monday in an East Region second-round battle at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Michigan-LSU odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

The Wolverines breezed to an 82-66 win over Texas Southern in the first round, as they avoided the pitfalls which claimed some of their Big Ten brethren in the opening days of the NCAA Tournament. Still, this team is learning to play without senior F Isaiah Livers, who was lost during the Big Ten tourney due to a long-term foot injury. Michigan enters this game just 3-3 SU/2-4 ATS, and it’s on a 9-3 Under run.

Michigan vs. LSU: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:49 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Michigan -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | LSU +180 (bet $100 to win $180)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Michigan -5 (-110) | LSU +5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 148.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Michigan vs. LSU: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

LSU 80, Michigan 77

Money line (ML)

Back LSU (+180) for the upset. The Tigers picked up an emphatic 76-61 win over St. Bonaventure in Saturday’s first round. Freshman G Cameron Thomas led the way with a game-high 27 points, while three Tigers – junior F Darius Days (13 points, 11 rebounds), sophomore G Aundre Hyatt (13 points, 10 rebounds) and sophomore F Trendon Watford (11 points, 11 rebounds) – recorded double-doubles.

The Wolverines have had trouble adjusting to life without Livers, similar to how Villanova has looked completely different without star Colin Gillespie. Taking a major player out of the starting five, especially this late in the season, is a major disruption. The Wolverines just haven’t been hitting on all gears lately. Michigan will join Illinois and Ohio State in the “Big Ten Loser’s Lounge.”

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Against the spread (ATS)

LSU +5 (-110) is a team which goes to the free-throw line frequently, as its big bodies create a lot of contact. The Tigers were ninth in the country in scoring (81.9 PPG), and they registered 447 total made free throws to rank eighth. On defense, the Tigers allow just 29.6% in opponents’ 3-point shooting, good for 16th in the land.

The Wolverines have taken on a completely differently complexion without Livers. Sure, they breezed past Texas Southern, but beating a SWAC team isn’t the same as facing an SEC team with a high-octane attack with size.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 148.5 (-110) is the slight lean based upon LSU’s offense. Michigan is no slouch at the offensive end, either, hitting for 76.5 PPG to rank 16th in the regular season. The big matchup will be Michigan’s 3-point shooting, which ranks 12th overall at 38.6%, against LSU’s 3-pointer defense. The Wolverines will still get theirs, win or lose, and we’ll have plenty of points.

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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: Creighton vs. Ohio seed odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Creighton Bluejays vs. Ohio Bobcats odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The Creighton Bluejays (21-8) take on the Ohio Bobcats (17-7) in a West Region second-round game Monday. The fifth-seeded Bluejays and 13th-seeded Bobcats will tip off at 6:10 p.m. ET at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Creighton-Ohio odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Creighton edged UC Santa Barbara 63-62 in the first round Saturday. The Bluejays held the Gauchos to 38.6% shooting. It was the sixth time in their last 10 games the Bluejays held an opponent under 40%. As is its m.o., Creighton struggled on the offensive boards and in getting to the foul line. The Bluejays generally make up for those shortcomings by making shots and playing good defense.

Ohio upset fourth-seeded Virginia 62-58 in the first round Saturday. The Bobcats flipped a double-digit margin in the second half to grind out the win. OU is an average-to-fast-tempo, offense-first team and is playing its best basketball as the moment. The Bobcats are 10-1 with improving analytic measures over their last 11 games.

Creighton vs. Ohio: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 10:34 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Creighton -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Ohio +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Creighton -5.5 (-110) | Ohio +5.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 148.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

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

Prediction

Creighton 76, Ohio 69

Money line (ML)

The question is which Ohio team will show up. The one that coughed up a 51.6% field-goal mark in an eight-game stretch in December-January or the one that featured an improving offense and caught a couple teams – Buffalo in the MAC Tournament final and Virginia Saturday – on bad shooting days?

Peg the latter as the being what we’ve seen from Ohio in the last week. That’s not to say the late-season trend lines aren’t impressive, but the Bluejays have the superior defense, especially in defending the 3-ball.

TAKE CREIGHTON -250.

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Against the spread (ATS)

An OU team with more rebounding skill and an ability to get to the charity stripe would be more of a worthy underdog. Creighton, as inconsistent as it has been, is a SOLID PLAY AT -5.5 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 4-0 in Creighton’s last four NCAA Tournament games as a favorite. It’s 3-0-1 in CU’s last four games against .600 teams.

That’s the lean here. Take UNDER 148.5. for a HALF-UNIT play.

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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: Gonzaga vs. Oklahoma odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. Oklahoma Sooners odds and lines, with March Madness Round 2 picks and predictions.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs (27-0) take on the Oklahoma Sooners (16-10) in a West Region second-round game Monday afternoon. The top-seeded Bulldogs and eighth-seeded Sooners will tip off at 2:40 p.m. ET at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Below, we analyze the Gonzaga-Oklahoma odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Gonzaga pummeled Norfolk State 98-55 Friday. The nation’s top offense (92.3 points per game) shot 55.7% from the field and piled up 27 assists in the win. The Bulldogs have shot 55.8% from the floor over their last eight games.

Oklahoma won its first-round game over Missouri 72-68 Friday. The Sooners prevailed despite shooting just 41.8% from the floor. The victory was just OU’s second since Feb. 20.

Gonzaga vs. Oklahoma: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 10:06 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Gonzaga -1400 (bet $1,400 to win $100) | Oklahoma +775 (bet $100 to win $775)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Gonzaga -14 (-110) | Oklahoma +14 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 154 (O: -110 | U: -110)

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

RISK-FREE FIRST BET, up to $600! Bet now!

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

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

Prediction

Gonzaga 84, Oklahoma 68

Money line (ML)

True odds figure to be blocked by the tags at both ends. PASS.

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Against the spread (ATS)

OU has fallen off, mostly on offense, in going just 2-5 over its last seven games (1-6 ATS). The ultra-consistent Bulldogs figure to control this one throughout. But a 14-point cover is tough ask.

Slight lean to GONZAGA -14 (-110) with a QUARTER-UNIT play.

Over/Under (O/U)

Oklahoma’s offense has dried up. As we saw in the GU-Norfolk State game, the Bulldogs can pile up 98 points and still file an Under. Overmatched OU tends to engender more low totals than high (Under: 7-3 when the Sooners are a dog).

BACK THE UNDER 154 (-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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