Tag: NCAA Tournament odds lines picks predictions

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

Previewing Thursday’s UCLA Bruins vs. Michigan State Spartans odds and lines, with March Madness First Four picks and predictions.

The UCLA Bruins (17-9) face the Michigan State Spartans (15-12) in a First Four matchup between 11 seeds in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament Thursday. Tip-off is slated for 9:57 p.m. ET at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind., and will be aired on TBS. Below, we analyze the UCLA-Michigan State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

UCLA finished fourth in the Pac-12 with a 13-6 conference record. Michigan State tied for eighth in the Big Ten at 9-11.

The Bruins-Spartans winner advances to a Saturday Round 1 matchup against sixth-seeded BYU (20-6) for a 9:40 p.m. ET tip at Indianapolis’ Hinkle Fieldhouse.

UCLA vs. Michigan State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: UCLA +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Michigan State -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: UCLA +2 (-110) | Michigan State -2 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 135 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

UCLA vs. Michigan State: Three things to know

  1. The Bruins enter on a 4-game skid. They closed the regular season with losses at Colorado, at Oregon and in the finale to USC at home on a last-second shot. They were then eliminated by Oregon State 83-79 in their first game of the Pac-12 Tournament. The Bruins, who were 5.5-point favorites, blew a 16-point, first-half lead to the Beavers.
  2. In early February, Michigan State was 8-7 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten, facing a real possibility of missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1997. The Spartans responded by closing out the regular season 7-4 with three wins over top-10 teams. The three upsets – of then-No. 4 Illinois, then-No. 5 Ohio State and then-No. 2 Michigan in the finale – likely earned Michigan State an NCAA invite. The Spartans lost their opening Big Ten Tournament game 68-57 as 2-point underdogs to Maryland.
  3. Sophomore G Johnny Juzang leads the Bruins with 14.0 points per game and sophomore G Jamie Jaquez Jr. averages team-highs in rebounds (6.0 RPB) and steals (1.2 SPG). Michigan State is led by junior F Aaron Henry (15.3 PPG, 3.5 APG, 1.3 SPG) and junior F Joey Hauser (team-high 5.7 RPG).

March Madness betting promotions

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

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

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

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

Prediction

Michigan State 69, UCLA 64

Money line (ML)

PASS on the Michigan State ML (-140) and focus on the spread below.

Play our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread (ATS)

MICHIGAN STATE -2 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. While these Spartans aren’t your typical Spartans team, it’s hard to go against head coach Tom Izzo in March.

Betting against the Bruins has been profitable since mid-January. They went 3-11 ATS in their last 14 games.

The Spartans also have a slight advantage having played in Mackey Arena in the past as a Big Ten rival of Purdue.

ATS records: UCLA 12-14 | Michigan State 9-18

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 135 (-110) is worth a HALF-UNIT wager. Expect early jitters to affect both teams at the start, leading to a low-scoring first half.

O/U records: UCLA 15-11 | Michigan State 10-17

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.

JOHNNY PARLAY’S RECORD W-L SP ROI
College hoops since Jan. 1 70-60-1 31-33 +4.275
2021 record (all sports) 90-74-1 43-36 +14.6
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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

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

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March Madness: Drake vs. Wichita State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Drake Bulldogs vs. Wichita State Shockers odds and lines, with March Madness First Four picks and predictions.

The Drake Bulldogs (25-4) battle the Wichita State Shockers (16-5) in a First Four NCAA Tournament showdown between 11 seeds in the West Region Thursday. Tip-off is set for 6:27 p.m. ET at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind., and will be aired on TBS. Below, we analyze the Drake-Wichita State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Drake finished second behind Loyola-Chicago in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 15-3 conference record. Wichita State was the American Athletic Conference regular-season champ at 11-2 but was upset in the AAC semifinals by Cincinnati 60-59.

Drake won its first 18 games before losing to Valparaiso Feb. 7. Then the Bulldogs were dealt two huge body blows. Senior F ShanQuan Hemphill, the team’s leading scorer, and junior PG Roman Penn suffered the same season-ending injury, a broken foot, within 12 days of each other.

Hemphill averaged a team-high 14.1 points per game with 6.3 RPG. Penn led the ‘Dogs in assists (5.5 APG) and steals (1.4 SPG) and also scored 11.2 PPG. With the duo out, sophomore G Joseph Yesufu picked up the slack, scoring 23.1 PPG in the last seven games.

There is a chance Hemphill returns to play Thursday.

Wichita State put together an 8-game win streak before losing to Cincy in the AAC semifinals. The Shockers’ most impressive victory during the season was a 68-63 home upset as 7-point underdogs against then-No. 5 Houston Feb. 18.

Sophomore G Tyson Etienne scores a team-high 17.0 PPG for the Shockers. Senior G Alterique Gilbert is the only other Shocker scoring in double figures (10.3. PPG) and leads the team in assists (4.1 APG) and steals (1.5 SPG). Senior F Trey Wade is the top rebounder (5.6 RPG).

The Drake-Wichita State winner advances to a Saturday Round 1 matchup against sixth-seeded USC (22-7) for a 4:30 p.m. ET tip-off at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Drake vs. Wichita State: 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: Drake -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Wichita State +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Drake -2 (-110) | Wichita State +2 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 140.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

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

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

Drake vs. Wichita State: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Drake 73, Wichita State 67

Money line (ML)

Drake wins if Hemphill plays or not, but AVOID the Bulldogs’ -140 ML. We’ll make money on the spread below.

Play our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread (ATS)

DRAKE -2 (-110) is the STRONGEST PLAY – 1½ times your usual wager. The Bulldogs made us good money during the season. There were concerns after the Hemphill and Penn injuries, but they still went 5-2 ATS in their final seven regular-season games.

The Shockers, who lost their last two games, went 3-7 ATS in their final 10 contests.

ATS records: Drake 20-6-1 | Wichita State 9-9-1

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The projection has this finishing right near the O/U line of 140.5. If you must, the lean would be Under because of a neutral floor and expected early nerves.

O/U records: Drake 17-10 | Wichita State 9-10

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.

JOHNNY PARLAY’S RECORD W-L SP ROI
College hoops since Jan. 1 70-60-1 31-33 +4.275
2021 record (all sports) 90-74-1 43-36 +14.6
*–SP: Strongest plays; ROI: Return on investment

Follow @JohnnyParlay11 on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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

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

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March Madness: Appalachian State vs. Norfolk State odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Appalachian State vs. Norfolk State odds and lines, with March Madness Round X picks and predictions.

The Norfolk State Spartans (16-7) take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers (17-11) in a West Region First Four game Thursday night. Tip-off will be at 8:40 p.m. ET at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. Below, we analyze the Norfolk State-Appalachian State odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Norfolk State carries a six-game win streak into its first tournament game since 2012. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champion struggles in shooting the ball inside the perimeter, but the Spartans knock down 3-pointers at a hefty 36.8% clip and get to the free-throw line with great frequency. The triples and singles add up: NSU ranked second in MEAC scoring at 75.2 points per game.

Appalachian State turned around a late-season slide to win four straight games in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. The Mountaineers scored two overtime wins in that tourney. The winner of Thursday’s NSU-ASU game will advance to take on No. 1 Gonzaga Saturday night.

Appalachian State vs. Norfolk State: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 9:35 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Appalachian State -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Norfolk State +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Appalachian State -3 (-110) | Norfolk State +3 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 133.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

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

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

Appalachian State vs. Norfolk State: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Norfolk State 65, Appalachian State 62

Money line (ML)

The Mountaineers have played the tougher schedule this season and they endured a five-game losing streak from Jan. 29-Feb. 23. Since then, ASU has won five of six games; three of those wins were of the OT variety.

The Spartans are much the better 3-point shooting squad and perimeter defense is a blind spot for Appy State. NSU is on a solid momentum swing.

TAKE NORFOLK STATE (+135).

Play our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread (ATS)

NSU is 8-1 ATS since Jan. 30. That includes a six-game ATS win streak.

TAKE NORFOLK STATE +3 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

The Spartans have played tremendous defense of late in holding opponents to a 37.8% mark from the floor and forcing 17.0 turnovers per game in six games since Feb. 13. Norfolk has come up with a respectable (and improved) 3.7 blocks per game over that same span. The Under is 4-1 on their last five games with a projected total.

Add in Appalachian State’s slow tempo, and there is value to be leveraged on the UNDER 133.5 (-110).

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

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

More college sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

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

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

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March Madness: Mount St. Mary’s vs. Texas Southern odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Mount St. Mary’s vs. Texas Southern odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers (12-10) take on the Texas Southern Tigers (16-8) in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday evening. The Mountaineers and Tigers will tip off at 5:10 p.m. ET at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. Below, we analyze the Mount St. Mary’s-Texas Southern odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Mount St. Mary’s advanced to the tournament by winning the Northeast Conference Tournament, and the Mountaineers head into Thursday’s game on a four-game win streak. MSMU sports a solid defense, one that has allowed just 62.3 points per game (17th NCAA-I). The Mountaineers are seeking a program-first NCAA tourney win.

Texas Southern is in the tournament for a fifth time since 2015, but the Tigers are making their first trip under HC Johnny Jones. The champions of the Southwest Athletic Conference play a fast-tempo brand of basketball. The Tigers hit the boards hard on the offensive end, frequently get to the foul line, and average a robust 74.8 points per game.

Mount St. Mary’s vs. Texas Southern: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Mount St. Mary’s -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Texas Southern -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Mount St. Mary’s +1 (-115) | Texas Southern -1 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 133 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

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

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

Mount St. Mary’s vs. Texas Southern: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Mount St. Mary’s 70, Texas Southern 65

Money line (ML)

PASS on the flat-footed pick ’em tags. Mount St. Mary’s is a solid play for the outright win, but take the point as an insurance bonus.

Play our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread (ATS)

This is a tortoise-and-the-hare match-up with MSMU (slow) and Texas Southern (fast) being near the far ends of the tempo continuum. The Tigers come out of a fast-pace SWAC and haven’t had much experience against the slowdown game. The Mountaineers have had games against teams that force a lot of possessions, and they’ve fared well in those games.

Look for Mount St. Mary’s rebounding and distance shooting edges to put the Mountaineers over the top.

BACK MOUNT ST. MARY’S +1 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams tote Over trends into this contest. But this tag looks accurate. Peg a slight lean on the Over (133, -110), but that’s about it.

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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Mount St. Mary’s vs. Texas Southern odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Mount St. Mary’s vs. Texas Southern odds and lines, with March Madness Round 1 picks and predictions.

The Mount St. Mary’s Mountaineers (12-10) take on the Texas Southern Tigers (16-8) in the First Four round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday evening. The Mountaineers and Tigers will tip off at 5:10 p.m. ET at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Ind. Below, we analyze the Mount St. Mary’s-Texas Southern odds and lines, with March Madness NCAA Tournament picks and predictions.

Mount St. Mary’s advanced to the tournament by winning the Northeast Conference Tournament, and the Mountaineers head into Thursday’s game on a four-game win streak. MSMU sports a solid defense, one that has allowed just 62.3 points per game (17th NCAA-I). The Mountaineers are seeking a program-first NCAA tourney win.

Texas Southern is in the tournament for a fifth time since 2015, but the Tigers are making their first trip under HC Johnny Jones. The champions of the Southwest Athletic Conference play a fast-tempo brand of basketball. The Tigers hit the boards hard on the offensive end, frequently get to the foul line, and average a robust 74.8 points per game.

Mount St. Mary’s vs. Texas Southern: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Mount St. Mary’s -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Texas Southern -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Mount St. Mary’s +1 (-115) | Texas Southern -1 (-105)
  • Over/Under: 133 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: USA TODAY March Madness Bracket Game

March Madness betting promotions 

Current March Madness offers from BetMGM Sportsbook:

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

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

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

Mount St. Mary’s vs. Texas Southern: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Mount St. Mary’s 70, Texas Southern 65

Money line (ML)

PASS on the flat-footed pick ’em tags. Mount St. Mary’s is a solid play for the outright win, but take the point as an insurance bonus.

Play our new, free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Against the spread (ATS)

This is a tortoise-and-the-hare match-up with MSMU (slow) and Texas Southern (fast) being near the far ends of the tempo continuum. The Tigers come out of a fast-pace SWAC and haven’t had much experience against the slowdown game. The Mountaineers have had games against teams that force a lot of possessions, and they’ve fared well in those games.

Look for Mount St. Mary’s rebounding and distance shooting edges to put the Mountaineers over the top.

BACK MOUNT ST. MARY’S +1 (-110).

Over/Under (O/U)

Both teams tote Over trends into this contest. But this tag looks accurate. Peg a slight lean on the Over (133, -110), but that’s about it.

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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