Are you ready to wager on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament?
Firing first-round wagers is one in every of my popular pastimes, and we’ve long gone on a pretty real wander over the past two tournaments at FOX Sports actions. I completely love the topic of balancing belief and actuality for the length of the foremost two days of faculty basketball’s largest event.
And here’s hoping my Texas future wager from November comes home and the Longhorns lower down the final nets at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Listed below are my handiest bets for the outlet round of the NCAA Tournament, with odds by means of FOX Guess.
Furman has the methodical offense to combat Virginia’s dull vogue. The Paladins are the nation’s No. 1 crew in two-point offense because they repeatedly bear four shooters on the ground and barely ever turn the ball over. Making the additional pass is compulsory for Furman, and as lengthy because it retains rotating the rock, it may per chance possibly possibly possibly bear every probability to loiter round.
PICK: Furman (+5.5 at FOX Guess) to lose by fewer than 5.5 points (or purchase outright)
Missouri–Utah Divulge Over 155
Historic Villanova head coach Jay Wright talked about this sport may possibly per chance reach the 90s on CBS’ “Alternative Sunday” demonstrate. I’m no longer pretty that excessive, however these two teams may possibly settle within the 80s on a rotten day. The Tigers and Aggies are both Top-15 in offensive efficiency, and so that they’re far from sensational defensively. Here is one in every of the elevated first-round totals for a motive.
PICK: Over 155 points scored by both teams mixed at FOX Guess
Oral Roberts (+6.5) vs. Duke
The Golden Eagles busted a bunch of brackets two years ago when they upset Ohio Divulge within the foremost round. A noteworthy chunk of that core is quiet intact, including senior Max Abmas, who averages over 20 points per contest. Oral Roberts makes its twos and threes and shoots nearly 80% from the irascible line. You’re furthermore getting an additional point or so because the heaps love betting Duke.
PICK: Oral Roberts (+6.5 at FOX Guess) to lose by fewer than 6.5 points (or purchase outright)
Alabama, Houston, Kansas, and Purdue chosen as 1-seeds for NCAA Tournament
Jason McIntyre and Colin Cowherd react to Alabama, Houston, Kansas, and Purdue chosen as 1-seeds sooner than the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
Northwestern (-125 ML) vs. Boise Divulge
I’m no longer a Northwestern fan by any stretch of the creativeness, however Chris Collins has two very real senior guards in Boo Buie and Whisk Audige. The Cats are furthermore very stingy on protection, ranking within the Top 25 in plenty of evolved metrics. I’m deciding on to lay the moneyline here rather then 1.5 points. The final factor I prefer is NU to get away with a one-point purchase, and I lose my wager. No thanks.
PICK: Northwestern (-125 moneyline at FOX Guess) to purchase outright
Penn Divulge (+3) vs. Texas A&M
The Nittany Lions made a monster wander to the Mammoth Ten championship, and I’m a noteworthy fan of versatile guard Jalen Pickett’s sport. There’s diminutive doubt Penn Divulge has a better offense, and so that they can flat-out fling it from downtown. Micah Shrewsberry’s squad shoots nearly 40% from three, faithful for the ninth-handiest imprint within the nation. I’m chuffed to purchase the points in what I deem is a toss-up.
PICK: Penn Divulge (+3 at FOX Guess) to lose by fewer than 3 points (or purchase outright)
Michigan Divulge (-130 ML) vs. USC
This line is anywhere from -1.5 to -2, and much love the Northwestern sport above, I’m no longer messing round with a bit spread with a Mammoth Ten crew. That convention tends to purchase within the ugliest techniques within the NCAA Tournament, and I’m no longer going to be surprised for one second if Sparty wins by a level or two. Michigan Divulge is noteworthy on the glass, and it would not exertion having coach Tom Izzo rather then Andy Enfield.
PICK: Michigan Divulge (-130 moneyline at FOX Guess) to purchase outright
St. Mary’s (-4) vs. VCU
VCU is shaping as much as be a really public underdog in Las Vegas. Extra tickets are exhibiting for VCU, but the line has moved from St. Mary’s -3 to -3.5 to -4. Hmmm. The Gaels shot an extremely uncharacteristic 33% from the ground within the WCC title sport in opposition to Gonzaga, and I’m betting that regresses the honest strategy here. And if the Rams can no longer turn protection into offense, they’re cooked.
PICK: St. Mary’s (-4 at FOX Guess) to purchase by better than 4 points
Providence (+4) vs. Kentucky
Speaking of public sides, Kentucky is one other first-round monster. Clearly, that would not mean the Wildcats can no longer and obtained’t hide, however I love going in opposition to teams laying inflated numbers. Westgate SuperBook vp of possibility administration Ed Salmons told me “the total cool kids” are on Kentucky, but respected play is maintaining this line regular. I will purchase the points with undervalued Providence.
PICK: Providence (+4 at FOX Guess) to lose by fewer than 4 points (or purchase outright)
We have confidence Miami huge man Norchad Omier (ankle) is going to play. I’ve been told or no longer it is far a huge deal that the Hurricanes are playing one in every of the latest games on Friday night rather then playing early Thursday. Never underestimate that additional 24 to 36 hours for restoration functions. Drake is getting a ton of admire from oddsmakers and while or no longer it is reliable, this feels love a noteworthy purchase low station on Miami’s explosive offense.
PICK: Miami (-2 at FOX Guess) to purchase by better than 2 points
Gonzaga (-15) vs. Gargantuan Canyon
The whole lot Gargantuan Canyon can attain, Gonzaga does better. Ken Pomeroy says the Zags are the nation’s most ambiance friendly offense and likewise you obtained’t get any arguments from me. Gargantuan Canyon is unpleasant defensively and outdated skool wisdom says Gonzaga must quiet on the whole get whatever it wants from the ground. And if the Antelopes are sloppy with the basketball, here is a blowout by the 30-minute imprint.
PICK: Gonzaga (-15 at FOX Guess) to purchase by better than 15 points
Kent Divulge (+4.5) vs. Indiana
Here’s a pretty as much as date underdog, which makes me a bit nervous, however it completely’s no longer likely to ignore the strategy Kent Divulge tested itself within the non-convention. Shut facet road losses to Houston, Gonzaga and Charleston will totally serve the Golden Flashes of their push for a first-round upset. True Elevate is a undeniable guard and if Kent Divulge’s protection can restrict Trayce Jackson-Davis’ touches, look out.
PICK: Kent Divulge (+4.5 at FOX Guess) to lose by fewer than 4.5 points (or purchase outright)
Sam Panayotovich is a sports actions betting analyst for FOX Sports actions and NESN. He previously worked for WGN Radio, NBC Sports actions and VSiN. He’ll doubtlessly retract in opposition to your popular crew. Apply him on Twitter @spshoot.
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