You're not the only one still attempting to decipher how Duke isn't playing for a national title ...

<p>You're not the only one still attempting to decipher how <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> isn't playing for a national title after a complete collapse in the final minute. But now Monday night's championship matchup is set between <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a>, two of the nation's top teams all season. Let's dive into our preview and pick.</p><h3>No. 1 Houston vs. No. 1 Florida (-1.5, O/U 140.5)</h3><p>Florida's resiliency has trumped its head coach's and various players' inexperience. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a> punched the Gators in the mouth, including heading into halftime with an eight-point lead. But Florida doesn't get knocked down. Thanks to Todd Golden's sharp adjustments, the squad completed a comeback win for the second straight game and dominated Auburn in the second half.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96362" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96362">Walter Clayton Jr.</a>'s shotmaking somehow becomes more impressive every contest. He became the first player since Larry Bird to score at least 30 points in the Elite Eight and Final Four. He's the best player in Monday's title game and the favorite (-110) to win Most Outstanding Player.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Duke led Houston by 14 with roughly eight minutes remaining in the Final Four showdown. The Cougars' offense struggled to keep pace with the Blue Devils, a problem many forecasted heading into the contest. However, it didn't matter with a defense as tough and physical as Houston's. The Cougars held Duke to 67 points, the Blue Devils' lowest point total since Jan. 25. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg </a>had a typical Flagg outing - 27 points, seven assists, four rebounds - but only one other Duke player reached double figures.</p><p>It was a matchup between the nation's best defense and the top offense. Ultimately, defense prevailed. And that's why Florida could be in trouble.</p><p>For all of Florida's offensive brilliance - it has the country's second-best offense - it's yet to play a defense as physically daunting as Houston's. The Cougars have the perimeter defenders to slow down Clayton and the Gators' other guards.</p><p>Florida took advantage of the rebounding battle against Auburn, an area it has dominated in most games. The Gators have the fourth-best offensive rebounding rate in the nation, but it's hard to gain extra possessions against Houston, which has a top-20 total rebounding rate and frequently grabs offensive boards. The Cougars should win if they neutralize Florida's rebounding strength and limit second-chance points.</p><p>Oddsmakers have loved the Gators for weeks, and they've largely been right. But Houston should be favored as the better overall team in this matchup (unfortunately, I also said that about Auburn).</p><p>The Cougars often experience offensive lulls, but their defense has carried them to 31 wins in their last 32 games. I'd expect Houston's defense to prevent Florida from getting into its actions and limit the Gators' guards. The Cougars will likely trap and double Clayton (his under 22.5 points on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet in jurisdictions that allow player props is worth a look), forcing Florida's bigs and other contributors to make plays. Houston flies around in its rotations, so the Gators, particularly <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85616" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85616">Alijah Martin</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96288" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96288">Will Richard</a>, must catch fire from three to win. While it shot 38% against Auburn, Florida is just a 35% 3-point shooting team.</p><p>The Cougars' defense and toughness have brought them this far. It'll lead them to one more win and a celebration in San Antonio.</p><p><strong>Pick: Houston +1.5</strong></p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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National championship betting preview: Florida slightly favored over Houston

NCAA Tournament purists complaining about the lack of Cinderellas should retract their statements...

<p>NCAA Tournament purists complaining about the lack of Cinderellas should retract their statements after four No. 1 seeds earned Final Four trips for the first time since 2008. The event is at its best when the top teams make it to the final stage, creating thrilling matchups when the stakes are the highest. This could be one of the most memorable Final Fours and championships as the four best teams descend on San Antonio.</p><p>We already wrote about potential <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3256606" href="https://thescore.com/news/3256606">Most Outstanding Player</a> winners. Now, let's get to Saturday evening's two matchups with our picks for who will play in Monday's national championship.</p><h3>No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 1 Florida (-2.5, O/U 159.5)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87250">Johni Broome</a>'s health is the storyline entering the Final Four matchup between these SEC foes. The All-American injured his non-shooting elbow in <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a>'s Elite Eight victory over Michigan State but returned later in the game. While something to monitor, it's unlikely to impact his or the Tigers' performance.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Auburn coasted past its competition en route to the Final Four. Before losing three of its final four games entering the NCAA Tournament, Auburn was the most dominant team all season. It's fair to wonder if the right team is favored.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a> defeated Auburn 90-81 in February, which likely factored into this spread. However, that was an off night for Auburn's guards. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96188" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96188">Denver Jones</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85291" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85291">Chad Baker-Mazara</a>, who average more than 10 points per game, combined for eight against the Gators. Auburn shot worse than usual from three, while Florida shot better from distance. The Tigers are a 37.8% 3-point shooting squad, but they connected on only 31% of their looks. The Gators are a 35% 3-point shooting team and made 39% of their threes in the initial matchup. The 3-point shooting variance should revert closer to the norm in this matchup.</p><p>Florida is the fourth-best offensive rebounding team in the country, but Auburn has the personnel to limit Florida's big-man depth. The Tigers outrebounded the Gators on the offensive glass in their first contest.</p><p>It's difficult to find more even opponents in the Final Four. Gators point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96362" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96362">Walter Clayton Jr.</a> is the best clutch shotmaker in this game, which could be the difference. But Auburn has more guard depth, a better defense, and the more experienced coach. Let's roll with the Tigers.</p><p><strong>Pick: Auburn +2.5</strong></p><h3>No. 1 Houston vs. No. 1 Duke (-5.5, O/U 136.5)</h3><p>How can a team that's lost one game since Dec. 1 - a one-point overtime loss to eventual Elite Eight finalist <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a> - be a 5.5-point underdog to anyone? Well, it's possible when its opponent is the nation's most talented squad and has the second-best net rating in college basketball history.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> has lost four games all season, all by five points or less. Three of its four losses came in overtime. But <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> has destroyed its competition. It went 19-1 in the ACC and has won its four tournament games by an average margin of 23.5. Its most impressive win was a 20-point Elite Eight victory over Alabama, the nation's sixth-best team.</p><p>Duke has the No. 1 offense in the country while Houston has the No. 1 defense. It's a clash between two conflicting styles. While Duke's offense touts three projected top-10 picks, its defense stood out against Alabama. The Blue Devils held the fourth-best offense in the country to 65 points and 35% shooting from the field with a connected, physical defense that prevented dribble penetration and made quick rotations.</p><p>Kelvin Sampson's defensive schemes and Houston's physicality present a nightmare for opposing offenses, but it hasn't seen an offense with as much firepower as Duke's. Everyone in the Blue Devils' rotation fits into their roles perfectly, and they move the ball exceptionally well while relying on NBA-ready talents <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162168" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162168">Kon Knueppel</a> to carry the scoring load. It's hard to imagine any defense in the country could shut down Duke.</p><p>Offensively, Houston relies on a balanced scoring attack among <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84316" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84316">L.J. Cryer</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103134" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103134">Emanuel Sharp</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103081" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103081">Milos Uzan</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/76186" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/76186">J'Wan Roberts</a>. However, there have been times when Houston's offense hits a lull and depends on its defense to earn wins. That happened in the Sweet 16 against Purdue when the Cougars scored only 62 points and won on a last-second shot against a porous Boilermakers' defense. Houston will have a tough time scoring and competing against Duke if the Blue Devils showcase the same defensive intensity they did against Alabama.</p><p>Houston has the coaching and roster to pull off the upset, but Duke has a better chance at beating the Cougars by double digits than Houston winning outright.</p><p><strong>Pick: Duke -5.5</strong></p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Final Four picks: Can Auburn pull off the upset? 

Four No. 1 seeds represented in the Final Four should create thrilling games, and it means many o...

<p>Four No. 1 seeds represented in the Final Four should create thrilling games, and it means many of the nation's most talented players will compete in San Antonio. That creates a complicated Most Outstanding Player race, the award given to the best player in the Final Four and championship, typically from the national title-winning team.</p><p>Let's take a look at some of this year's contenders. </p><h3>Most Outstanding Player odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cooper Flagg</td>
<td>+105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Walter Clayton Jr.</td>
<td>+375</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Johni Broome</td>
<td>+800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>L.J. Cryer</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Milos Uzan</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tahaad Pettiford</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kon Knueppel</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alijah Martin</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Emanuel Sharp</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>J'Wan Roberts</td>
<td>+3000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will Richard</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tyrese Proctor</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Unsurprisingly, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> is the favorite. He's not only the best player on the four remaining teams, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> has the best odds to cut down the nets as a +105 favorite on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While Flagg isn't the only projected lottery pick on Duke's roster, he's the best and most impactful player. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162168" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162168">Kon Knueppel</a> is the second-leading scorer and will likely be a top-10 pick in the draft.</p><p>Knueppel certainly can - and has - outplayed Flagg in recent games, but there's almost no scenario where Duke wins and Flagg doesn't earn the honor. Flagg averages 18.9 points, 7.5 boards, and more than four assists per game on 37% 3-point shooting. However, betting on Flagg at such a short price is risky when his team must win two games for consideration. Hakeem Olajuwon was the last losing player to win Most Outstanding Player in 1983.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a> has the second-best odds to win the title at +285, leading to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96362" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96362">Walter Clayton Jr</a>., the Gators' best player, having the second-best odds (+375) to capture Most Outstanding Player. Clayton's late-game heroics against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a>, when he drilled two threes to cap off a 9-0 run with less than four minutes remaining, propelled the Gators to the Final Four.</p><p>Clayton has led Florida in scoring in three of its four tourney games while averaging 22.3 points in the Big Dance. Florida is a 2.5-point favorite over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a> but would be an underdog against Duke in a potential championship showdown. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96288" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96288">Will Richard</a> (+4000), who led the Gators in scoring against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85616" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85616">Alijah Martin</a> (+2500) are the other Florida guards with a chance.</p><p>The odds drop significantly after Flagg and Clayton because oddsmakers doubt <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> or Auburn will win the title.</p><p>There's value for bettors who disagree with the books. Auburn's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87250">Johni Broome</a> finished the season as the National Player of the Year favorite.</p><p>Broome left Auburn's Elite Eight game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660">Michigan State</a> with an elbow injury before returning later in the second half. He'll almost certainly play in the Final Four, and the injury to his non-shooting elbow shouldn't impact the All-American's performance.</p><p>Auburn is an underdog against Florida and would also be against Houston or Duke in the final, explaining Broome's long odds (+800). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162002" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162002">Tahaad Pettiford</a> (+2000) is the next-closest Tiger on the oddsboard. While Auburn has great guard depth, Broome is its engine as a physical forward who can score at three levels. He'd be my long-shot pick.</p><p>Finally, Houston has two guards with top-five odds. It's a 5.5-point underdog against Duke, but it's good enough to leave San Antonio on top of the college basketball world. The Cougars rely on a balanced scoring attack from their top guys. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84316" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84316">L.J. Cryer</a> (+1000) is their leading scorer, averaging 15.4 points. They have four players averaging between 10 and 16 points, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103081" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103081">Milos Uzan</a> (+1500) at 11.6 per game.</p><p>Although <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103134" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103134">Emanuel Sharp</a> (+2500) averages more points than Uzan, the latter is Houston's primary playmaker and leads the squad in assists. Cryer has averaged 16.8 points and four assists in the tournament, while Uzan has averaged 12.8 points and five assists.</p><p>Betting on Flagg is essentially betting on the Blue Devils to win the tournament, but the wiser wager is Duke (+100) at nearly equal odds in case of the slight chance Knueppel (+2200) explodes and Flagg struggles in the final two games. </p><p>I believe Auburn has a better chance of beating Florida than oddsmakers believe. If the Tigers win, Broome's odds will be cut in half. So, Broome is my pick to earn Most Outstanding Player.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Most Outstanding Player odds: Is it Flagg's award to lose?

For the first time since 2008, the Final Four features all No. 1 seeds. But they're more than jus...

<p>For the first time since 2008, the Final Four features all No. 1 seeds. But they're more than just the best squads this year: Based on net rating, four of <a href="https://kenpom.com/">KenPom</a>'s 10 best teams in college basketball history will descend on San Antonio to fight for the championship.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> has the second-best net rating ever behind the program's 1998-99 squad, which lost to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/280" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/280">UConn</a> in the national championship. The Blue Devils, KenPom's No. 1 team by a decent margin, entered the tournament as the favorite and still hold that title as the championship game looms. </p><h3>National title odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Duke</td>
<td>+105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>+275</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Houston</td>
<td>+405</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Duke annihilated its competition en route to the Final Four, proving that its 19-1 ACC record wasn't a result of playing in a weak conference. The Blue Devils won their four tourney games by an average margin of 23.5, including a 20-point win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a>, the sixth-best team in the country.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While it relies on freshmen, Duke's roster is the most talented in the nation: Three Blue Devils are projected to be top 10 picks in the upcoming NBA draft.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> is a 4.5-point underdog against Duke in a clash between the Cougars' No. 1 defense and the Blue Devils' No. 1 offense. The total is set at 136.5.</p><p>The Cougars had a difficult path to San Antonio, becoming the first 1-seed since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/756" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/756">North Carolina</a> in 2017 to defeat the 16,8,4, and 2-seed on the way to the Final Four. And Houston didn't play a typical 8-seed; <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/421" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/421">Gonzaga</a> is a top-10 team.</p><p>Duke has won 31 of its past 32 games while Houston has won 30 of its past 31. This is a heavyweight showdown for the ages.</p><p>In the other matchup, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a> is a 2.5-point favorite over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a>, explaining why the former has the second-best odds to win the title. Auburn is the No. 1 overall seed and was the SEC regular-season champion, but Florida won the SEC conference tournament. The Gators also beat the Tigers 90-81 in early February.</p><p>Florida has the most impressive resume over the last month, but the Gators were tested in the Elite Eight against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a>. They trailed by nine with less than four minutes remaining, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96362" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96362">Walter Clayton Jr.</a>'s heroics lifted Florida to the Final Four.</p><p>Both groups have guard depth and versatile bigs, which should create a thrilling Final Four contest.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Final Four odds: Duke remains the favorite after dominant regional run

The field that began at 68 is down to eight.   Eight of KenPom's top nine teams in the country ar...

<p>The field that began at 68 is down to eight. </p><p>Eight of <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php">KenPom</a>'s top nine teams in the country are represented in the Elite Eight, composed of four 1-seeds, three 2-seeds, and one 3-seed. It's hard to find a chalkier tournament than this one. That's a great development because this weekend's Elite Eight matchups should be some of the season's most thrilling college basketball games with a trip to San Antonio on the line.</p><h3>Saturday's games</h3><h3>No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 1 Florida (-6.5, O/U 156.5)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a> coach Todd Golden hadn't won an NCAA Tournament game entering this season. However, that inexperience hasn't been an issue. The Gators were tested against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/280" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/280">UConn</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a> but advanced to the Elite Eight with one of the most balanced rosters in the country.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Gators' strength is creating second-chance opportunities by crashing the offensive glass. They have the fourth-best offensive rebounding rate in the country. That could present an issue for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a>, which is outside the top 120 in opponent offensive rebounding percentage. </p><p>Texas Tech pulled off a magical comeback against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/71" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/71">Arkansas</a>. However, it took overtime, which could lead to tired legs against Florida with only one day of rest. The Red Raiders desperately need <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85854" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85854">Chance McMillian</a> to return - he's questionable after missing the past three games with an upper-body injury. Even without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110701" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110701">Alex Condon</a> for most of the game, Florida survived Maryland with frontcourt depth and prolific scoring guards. Texas Tech doesn't have the talent to keep up with Florida, which will advance to its first Final Four since 2014.</p><p><strong>Pick: Florida -6.5</strong></p><h3>No. 2 Alabama vs. No. 1 Duke (-6.5, O/U 174.5)</h3><p>This could be the game of the tournament between high-powered offenses with NBA talent littered all over the floor. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a> is the more experienced group, having made the Final Four last season. While <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> relies primarily on freshmen, its first-year stars' on-court maturity resembles veterans.</p><p>The Blue Devils have the most talent in the country. They've won 30 of their past 31 games and scored 100 points in the Sweet 16 against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a>. However, they also allowed 93 points. Duke might struggle against Alabama's fast-paced offense that chucks threes at a historic rate.</p><p>Alabama broke the tournament record for threes made when it drilled 25 3-pointers on 49% shooting from downtown in a Sweet 16 rout over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/155" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/155">BYU</a>. Alabama typically shoots 35% from deep. It'll walk to the national championship if it continues to shoot that well from three. Duke is usually solid at defending the three, but it's susceptible to defensive lapses. If Alabama stays hot, it'll advance to its second consecutive Final Four.</p><p>Plus, the Crimson Tide have improved defensively throughout the season. Over the past two months, they've had a top-30 defense in the country. Don't expect them to shut down Duke in a likely high-scoring affair, as indicated by the over-under total, but they'll keep it close with timely stops.</p><p><strong>Pick: Alabama +6.5</strong></p><h3>Sunday's games</h3><h3>No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 1 Houston (-3.5, O/U 124.5)</h3><p>This is a remarkably low total, which tells this game's story. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> has the nation's best defense while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1063" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1063">Tennessee</a> has the third-best. Expect a physical, defensive battle between two coaches who construct creative defensive game plans to stymie opposing offenses.</p><p>Houston has won 29 of its past 30 games. It escaped <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a> in the Sweet 16 thanks to a brilliant baseline inbounds play in the final seconds. Houston struggled offensively, scoring only 62 points against a porous defense. The Cougars shot 36% from 2-point range. Their offense must be more efficient to survive Tennessee.</p><p>Tennessee shot 26% from three but controlled <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a> from the tip until the final buzzer. The Vols' defense often leads to offense, and they move the ball well with various contributors. While Houston has been dominant, it hasn't played a team as good as Tennessee since it began Big 12 competition. This should be an incredible game between teams with similar strengths. I'd lean Houston to cover, but this is a complete toss-up.</p><p><strong>Lean: Houston -3.5</strong></p><h3>No. 2 Michigan State vs. No. 1 Auburn (-5.5, O/U 148.5)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660">Michigan State</a> struggled for most of its Sweet 16 showdown against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/680" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/680">Ole Miss</a>, but pulled away in the final minutes of a tightly contested game. The Spartans didn't play well, but they have many contributors who can fill the stat sheet. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163573" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163573">Jase Richardson</a> scored 20 points, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/112071" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/112071">Coen Carr</a> had 15, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95525" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95525">Jaden Akins </a>poured in 13.</p><p>The Spartans rebound effectively and have an assertive defense. Their strength is limiting threes, allowing opponents to shoot 27% from deep, the nation's best mark. The problem is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a> doesn't rely on its 3-point shooting. The Tigers run their offense through forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87250">Johni Broome</a> and have various downhill driving guards who can create shots for themselves and their teammates.</p><p>While Michigan State's defense is exceptional, Auburn has matchup advantages all over the floor. This is another coin-flip game, which happens when all the best teams in the country advance to the Elite Eight. Auburn has the talent edge, but 5.5 is too many points with a trip to the Final Four on the line.</p><p><strong>Lean: Michigan State +5.5</strong></p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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March Madness Elite Eight picks: Will favorites keep advancing? 

We had a rough showing with our Thursday Sweet 16 picks, but that won't dissuade us from firing o...

<p>We had a rough showing with our Thursday Sweet 16 picks, but that won't dissuade us from firing on Friday's card. Four teams will advance to the Elite Eight and have a chance to play for a Final Four. Let's dive into Friday's Sweet 16 matchups.</p><h3>No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 2 Michigan State (-3.5, O/U 144.5)</h3><p>This classic Tom Izzo group defends at a high level, rebounds effectively, and has a balanced scoring attack. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95525" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95525">Jaden Akins</a> is <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660">Michigan State</a>'s leading scorer, but it doesn't have a single player averaging more than 13 points per game, while seven guys average at least seven points per game. </p><p>It's hard to prepare for that depth when different guys contribute to the scoring column and defend at a high level.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/680" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/680"> Ole Miss</a> guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95549" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95549">Sean Pedulla</a> can go nuclear as a scorer, and the Rebels also have a physical defense. Chris Beard is one of the sport's elite coaches and has done a terrific job bringing Ole Miss to relevance. </p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But Michigan State is a connected, unselfish group led by a Hall of Fame coach. Its run won't end in the Sweet 16.</p><p><strong>Lean: Michigan State -3.5</strong></p><h3>No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 2 Tennessee (-4.5, O/U 144.5)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a> beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1063" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1063">Tennessee</a> twice in the regular season, but now the Volunteers are 4.5-point favorites. It's not hard to beat a team three times in one season, like many claim, but it's challenging to go 24-for-48 from three in two games against one of the best defenses in the country.</p><p>Tennessee holds opponents to 28.3% shooting from three, the nation's third-best mark. It's uncharacteristic for Tennessee to allow as many 3-point makes as it did in its two games against Kentucky. The Wildcats have offensive firepower all over the floor and tough shotmakers, but that shooting production is difficult to replicate.</p><p>Kentucky has a top-10 offense but is outside the top 40 on defense. Tennessee has the country's third-best defense, and its offense, led by <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87491" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87491">Chaz Lanier</a>, is capable of high-scoring outputs.</p><p><strong>Pick: Tennessee -4.5</strong></p><h3>No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 1 Auburn (-8.5, O/U 153.5)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/104554" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/104554">Danny Wolf</a> ended <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a>'s season in the first round of last year's tournament when he played for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1254" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1254">Yale</a>. As <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/659" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/659">Michigan</a>'s star, he can deliver Auburn the same fate while Bruce Pearl seeks revenge.</p><p>Wolf and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/88860" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/88860">Vlad Goldin </a>are the perfect frontcourt duo as complementary bigs with different skill sets. However, Auburn's frontcourt with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87250">Johni Broome</a> can counteract Michigan's size. Auburn's real advantage is its guard play, which completely overpowers Michigan's. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96188" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96188">Denver Jones</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85291" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85291">Chad Baker-Mazara</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95495" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95495">Miles Kelly</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162002" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162002">Tahaad Pettiford</a> average more than 10 points per game. The Wolverines struggle with turnovers. The Tigers' guards should constantly pressure Michigan's ball-handlers, leading to points off turnovers.</p><p>Auburn has the matchup advantage, especially if it consistently forces turnovers, but this spread is too large against a talented and resilient Michigan group.</p><p><strong>Lean: Michigan +8.5</strong></p><h3>No. 4 Purdue vs. No. 1 Houston (-8.5, O/U 131.5)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a> was lucky to make the Sweet 16 with an easy path against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/459" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/459">High Point</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/644" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/644">McNeese State</a>, but that doesn't mean its defensive woes are solved. The Boilermakers rank outside the top 100 in defensive rating since Feb. 1. They have leaky perimeter resistance and an undersized interior presence, problems that will be exacerbated against one of the nation's best teams.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> has the nation's 11th-best offense and No. 1 defense. It won 28 of its past 29 games and appears immune to upsets. Purdue's offense can typically keep up with most opponents, but it hasn't faced a defense as daunting as Houston's. This could get ugly in the second half.</p><p><strong>Pick: Houston -8.5</strong></p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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March Madness bets: Friday's Sweet 16 picks

The Sweet 16 should produce a flurry of thrilling contests between title contenders, with some of...

<p>The Sweet 16 should produce a flurry of thrilling contests between title contenders, with some of the country's best teams primed for action. Let's get to our breakdowns for Thursday's action.</p><h3>No. 6 BYU vs. No. 2 Alabama (-5.5, O/U 175.5) </h3><p>These are two of the best offenses in the nation. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a> has the fastest tempo in the country, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/155" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/155">BYU</a> has the best offensive rating in the country since Feb. 12, according to <a href="https://www.barttorvik.com/?sort=AdjOE&amp;begin=20250212&amp;end=20250501&amp;conlimit=All&amp;year=2025&amp;top=0&amp;venue=All&amp;type=All&amp;mingames=0&amp;quad=5&amp;rpi=#">Bart Torvik</a>. </p><p>The 175.5 total is one of the highest in NCAA Tournament history and is receiving many bets, with more bettors wagering on the under.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Alabama relies heavily on drilling 3-pointers, while BYU has a more balanced offensive approach. The Crimson Tide are susceptible to an upset if they go cold from three, but the Cougars also have to knock down shots if Alabama is nailing its 3-point looks. Both offenses will score early, but this won't be as high-scoring a contest as many expect.</p><p><strong>Lean: BYU +5.5 and under 175.5</strong></p><h3>No. 4 Maryland vs. No. 1 Florida (-6.5, O/U 157.5)</h3><p>This game will come down to rebounding. Florida has the fourth-best offensive rebounding rate in the country and depth in its frontcourt. The Terps must gang rebound to limit the Gators' second-chance opportunities. Maryland will likely switch less defensively to avoid mismatches where guards must box out bigs.</p><p>The Terps boast the highest-scoring starting lineup in the country, and coming off three days of rest, shouldn't play their bench much. Florida has the depth advantage, but Maryland's starters are rarely fatigued late in games. The Gators have an edge in their backcourt with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96362" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96362">Walter Clayton Jr.</a>, the best scorer on the floor, but Maryland's big men, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121822" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121822">Derik Queen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95513" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95513">Julian Reese</a>, can combat Florida's bigs.</p><p>Maryland coach Kevin Willard is rumored to be leaving Maryland for Villanova. That could cause a distraction, which turns this from a Maryland pick to a lean.</p><p><strong>Lean: Maryland +6.5</strong></p><h3>No. 4 Arizona vs. No.1 Duke (-9.5, O/U 154.5)</h3><p>Duke has won 29 of its last 30 games and two tournament contests by an average margin of 33.5. The Blue Devils have three freshmen expected to be selected in the top 10 in the NBA draft, but their on-court maturity resembles seniors more than freshmen. They also have veteran support from guys like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103281" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103281">Tyrese Proctor</a>, who had 25 points in the Round of 32 against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/109" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/109">Baylor</a>.</p><p>Duke is the most talented team in the country, and has played like it for months. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a> had a relatively easy path, beating No. 13 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/40" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/40">Akron</a> and escaping No. 5 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/823" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/823">Oregon</a>. The Wildcats have been inconsistent for much of the season, and Duke even defeated Arizona by 14 during nonconference play in November.</p><p>Arizona's offense follows <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87457" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87457">Caleb Love</a>'s lead, but he struggles with efficiency as a 39% field-goal shooter. Duke has the athletes to disrupt Love's rhythm, thus disrupting Arizona's offense.</p><p><strong>Pick: Duke -9.5</strong></p><h3>No. 10 Arkansas vs. No. 3 Texas Tech (-5.5, O/U 147.5)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a> can beat you inside with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110546" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110546">JT Toppin</a> and from beyond the arc with its prolific shooting from an array of guards, including <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85854" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85854">Chance McMillian</a>, who should return Thursday after missing the last few contests.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/71" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/71">Arkansas</a> is also getting healthier with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/161991" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/161991">Boogie Fland</a> returning and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103059" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103059">Adou Thiero</a> back in the lineup. But the Razorbacks remain an unreliable shooting team, connecting on 33% of their looks from deep, while the Red Raiders have the nation's seventh-best offense since Feb. 1. Texas Tech shoots a ton of threes and rarely turns the ball over.</p><p>Arkansas faced more challenging battles to get to the Sweet 16 with wins over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/524" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/524">Kansas</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1011" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1011">St. John's</a>, while Texas Tech played mid-major opponents <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/764" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/764">UNC Wilmington</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/325" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/325">Drake</a> to earn a spot. However, Arkansas' impressive run will end against a talented offensive group.</p><p><strong>Pick: Texas Tech -5.5</strong></p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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March Madness bets: Thursday's Sweet 16 showdowns

When Draymond Green is involved in an NBA award race, he campaigns like a presidential candidate ...

<p>When <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2982" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2982">Draymond Green</a> is involved in an NBA award race, he campaigns like a presidential candidate two weeks out from the election.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110276" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110276">Victor Wembanyama</a> was the overwhelming favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year at -2000 until a blood clot ended his season. He won't play enough games to be eligible for the honor, and new candidates are now making their case and trying to win over voters in a limited period of time.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96054" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96054">Evan Mobley</a> immediately emerged as the new favorite, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62285" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62285">Jaren Jackson Jr.</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102785" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102785">Dyson Daniels</a>, and<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/70382" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/70382"> Lu Dort</a> trailing close behind. When Wembanyama was ruled out Feb. 20, Green wasn't even on the oddsboard. He was first included six days later as a mega long shot at +10000.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But since then, he's steadily risen in a tight race that won't be close to a unanimous decision. His climb has coincided with the resurgence of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/16" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/16">Warriors</a>, who boast the league's best defense since the All-Star break.</p><p>The most significant leap came March 18 after the Warriors defeated the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/10">Bucks</a>. Green shut down MVP candidate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>. The Greek Freak had his worst shooting game in two seasons and shot 0-for-7 on field goals contested by Green, who emphatically stated his case for Defensive Player of the Year following the win.</p><p>"I look around the league and don't see many players impacting the game on the defensive end the way I do. I don't see many players completely throwing off an entire team's offense the way I do," Green said. "Especially with Wemby going down, seemed like he had it won. And now it is right there."</p><p>Over the next 24 hours, Green's odds moved from +1000 to +450. In the last week, Green surpassed Mobley as the favorite at -120 on theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. Mobley is +110, Daniels is +1600, and Dort, who I <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3240368" href="https://thescore.com/news/3240368">previously advocated</a> for, is +2000. Jackson is +4000.</p><p>During Green's soliloquy, he claimed stats "don't always tell the story." But they do to some extent - just not the typical counting stats like blocks and steals that fans associate with great defense.</p><p>The four-time champion isn't in the top 20 in blocks or the top 10 in steals, but he does rank in the top 20 in <a href="https://espnanalytics.com/nba-net-pts">defensive net points</a>, and Golden State allows fewer points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor than off. He's undoubtedly the most impactful defender on the NBA's best defense over the last month-and-a-half.</p><p>Mobley, meanwhile, is the best defender for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/7" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/7">Cavaliers</a>, who own the eighth-best defense (the Warriors have the seventh-best defense since the start of the season). His metrics - defensive rating, defensive net points, and on/off splits - are better than Green's, as are his counting stats, including blocks.</p><p>Of course, Defensive Player of the Year is, as Green suggested, also about perception to some degree. </p><p>Green's impassioned plea noted that he covers for everyone defensively, and he has a valid point. He's capable of switching onto guards and bigs, has the strength and instincts to guard post players, and the quick feet and strong hands to chase perimeter-oriented players. He's also as cerebral as any defender in the NBA, constantly in the right help spots and breaking up actions he anticipates.</p><p>There is, however, a potential problem for Green. The 65-game requirement that disqualified Wembanyama could also prevent Green from winning the award. The 2017 Defensive Player of the Year has played 57 games, and there are only 10 games remaining. He can't miss more than two games the rest of the season. He also must play at least 20 minutes in those games. Any game in which a player plays under 15 minutes doesn't count, and each player gets two games in which they can play between 15 and 20 minutes, which Green has already used.</p><p>But there's good reason to believe he'll hit the 65-game requirement. The Warriors won't rest Green because they're in a tight race to avoid the play-in, and he clearly wants a second award on his mantel.</p><p>And as he continues to get closer to the mark, expect him to construct his case as much off the court as he does on the floor.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Draymond surpasses Mobley as Defensive Player of the Year favorite

For the first time in NCAA Tournament history, there isn't a single mid-major squad in the Sweet ...

<p>For the first time in NCAA Tournament history, there isn't a single mid-major squad in the Sweet 16. March Madness has delivered fewer upsets than previous tournaments, but some early-round duds should lead to thrilling games between the country's best teams in later rounds.</p><p>Favorites are conquering the tournament, and history says that's likely to continue: Thirteen of the past 17 national champions have been 1-seeds. With all four top seeds still alive, the Final Four will likely be flooded with No. 1 teams, and the oddsboard agrees the eventual champion will almost certainly be a top seed. However, there's not much value there - so which long shot is worth wagering on?</p><h3>National title/Final Four odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>National title odds</th>
<th>Final Four odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Duke</td>
<td>+225</td>
<td>-185</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>+310</td>
<td>-140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Houston</td>
<td>+500</td>
<td>-140</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td>+550</td>
<td>-135</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>+1600</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td>+1600</td>
<td>+230</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td>+2000</td>
<td>+260</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas Tech</td>
<td>+2000</td>
<td>+275</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maryland</td>
<td>+3300</td>
<td>+450</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>+4000</td>
<td>+750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kentucky</td>
<td>+5000</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
<td>+6000</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td>+6000</td>
<td>+700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BYU</td>
<td>+6600</td>
<td>+875</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arkansas</td>
<td>+7500</td>
<td>+750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td>+7500</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Odds via theScore Bet/ESPN Bet</em></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a>'s national prominence has grown since <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121822" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121822">Derik Queen</a> drove left and banked in a buzzer-beating fadeaway off the glass, sending the Terrapins to their first Sweet 16 since 2016. But this run shouldn't surprise college basketball fans.</p><p>Maryland finished second in the Big Ten and has won 14 of its last 17 games. The Terps have the highest-scoring starting lineup in the country - nicknamed the "Crab Five" - with exceptional guard play, quality shooters, and a balanced frontcourt. Maryland ranks in the top 25 in offensive and defensive efficiency on <a href="http://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjDE">KenPom</a>.</p><p>The Terps can win a low-scoring defensive contest or compete in a shootout. That's what makes Maryland so dangerous this time of year. Its last four losses came on game-winning field goals, and it looked like a fifth straight heartbreaking defeat was on the horizon before Queen's heroics knocked off <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/264" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/264">Colorado State</a>.</p><p>After entering the first two games as a hefty favorite, Maryland is a 6.5-point underdog in its Sweet 16 showdown against No. 1 seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a>. Why are the Terps the best long-shot pick? It starts with their path.</p><p>The West Region is the only one that's knocked a top-two seed out of the tournament, so Maryland wouldn't face St. John's in a potential Elite Eight matchup. Despite the Johnnies' offensive woes, many predicted the nation's top defense could carry them to a Final Four. No. 10 seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/71" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/71">Arkansas</a> and No. 3 seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a> are formidable opponents, but every other region still has a 2-seed alive.</p><p>That said, Maryland must upset Florida before it can consider its Elite Eight opponent. Of all the top seeds, however, that's Maryland's best matchup. Houston and Duke have two combined losses in their last 59 games, and Auburn is the No. 1 overall seed for good reason.</p><p>Florida has terrific rebounding and passing bigs and a lethal backcourt led by All-American <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96362" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96362">Walter Clayton Jr.</a>, who shined with 23 points in the Round of 32 win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/280" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/280">UConn</a>. The team showed impressive resiliency by pulling away from the two-time defending champions in the final minutes, especially considering head coach Todd Golden hadn't won a tournament game entering the Big Dance. The Gators have the nation's second-best offense, but UConn's defense forced them into tough shots and limited their second-chance opportunities. The Huskies' problem was that they couldn't make threes, connecting on just 27% of their looks.</p><p>Maryland is a better shooting team than UConn, so that shouldn't be an issue for the Terps. They also boast the nation's sixth-best defense. Despite Florida's talent and depth, Maryland should be able to string together stops. The Terps' weakness, however, is defensive rebounding, which could pose a problem against Florida's fourth-best offensive rebounding rate. If Florida continuously creates second-chance opportunities, Maryland doesn't have a prayer.</p><p>But the Terps can keep up offensively in a game that will likely go down to the wire. Other than the remaining No. 1 and 2 seeds, Maryland has the second-best net rating among teams still dancing. If it escapes Florida, there's a chance it could be favored in an Elite Eight showdown.</p><p>Maryland is +450 to make the Final Four. Other potential long shots like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a>, or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/680" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/680">Ole Miss </a>have worse odds to get there because of their more challenging paths. Considering Maryland's starting five, favorable roadmap, and momentum, the Terps are worth investing in to disrupt the chalk.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Favorites are conquering March Madness, but which long shot can win?

The appeal of March Madness is the unpredictability, upsets, and possibility of an unknown school...

<p>The appeal of March Madness is the unpredictability, upsets, and possibility of an unknown school embarking on a magical run. That hasn't been the case this year. There isn't a single mid-major school in this year's Sweet 16, which instead features teams from only four major conferences (SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC) for the first time in NCAA Tournament history.</p><p>Entering the postseason, at least one top-four seed had lost in the opening round in 15 of the past 16 tournaments. All 16 top-four seeds advanced to the Round of 32 this year. St. John's was the only 2-seed to lose in the second round when No. 10 Arkansas ended the Johnnies' season. Arkansas is the only team lower than a 6-seed in the Sweet 16, meaning there's a good chance the Final Four doesn't feature a 7-seed or higher for just the second time in 12 years.</p><p>Bettors hoping for underdog upsets have been left disappointed. Had a bettor made a wager to win $100 on every favorite's moneyline in the first two rounds, you would have profited roughly $930. If you had used the same strategy last year, you would have lost roughly $250 (even though 40 favorites covered the spread last season, tied for the most in a tournament since at least 1985, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/44294942/betting-men-ncaa-tournament-key-trends-march-madness-wagering">ESPN</a>).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>St. John's, a 6.5-point favorite over Arkansas, was the largest moneyline upset from the weekend. Favorites went 37-11 straight up in the first two rounds and 27-21 against the spread. </p><p>NIL has led to college basketball's rich becoming richer and shrunk the sport's high-level talent distribution. The best players have no incentive to attend, or stay at, a mid-major if high-major programs can pay them substantially more. The results have led to a different kind of tournament, where upsets and Cinderella runs are even more improbable and the top teams create thrilling matchups later on.</p><p>While upsets are popular during March Madness, bettors still tend to side with favorites. This created a successful weekend for bettors, particularly on Sunday, and a disappointing one for sportsbooks.</p><p>"The first three days were somewhat a split decision, with some results good for the public while some were in our favor," said Adrian Horton, head of North American trading at theScore Bet/ESPN Bet. "Sunday was a different story with favorites holding serve across the board. With a lot of favorites covering and almost all winning outright, it was a good day for bettors, especially those with moneyline parlays."</p><p>Although the national title favorites shortened their odds as the field was cut from 64 to 16 over the last four days, the schools atop the oddsboard remain unchanged. </p><h3>National title odds </h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Duke</td>
<td>+225</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>+310</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Houston</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td>+1600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas Tech</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maryland</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kentucky</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td>+6000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BYU</td>
<td>+6600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arkansas</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> has won 29 of its last 30 contests and dominated its first two tournament games, winning by an average margin of 33.5. The Blue Devils remain the favorites to cut down the nets and are the most considerable favorite to advance to the Elite Eight - 8.5 points over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a> on Thursday.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a> has the second-best odds after a resilient Round of 32 win over two-time defending champion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/280" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/280">UConn</a>. However, the Gators have the longest odds to advance to the Elite Eight among 1-seeds as 6.5-point favorites over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a>. The four 1-seeds have the best odds to win the title, with a drastic drop-off from 1-seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a> (+550) to 2-seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a> (+1600). Auburn and Houston are huge favorites over Michigan and Purdue, respectively.</p><p>Thirteen of the past 17 champions were 1-seeds, so oddsmakers are rightfully assuming one of those four teams will celebrate in San Antonio.</p><p>Sportsbooks are rooting against Duke, which is a widespread choice among bettors. The Blue Devils have garnered 27% of the money wagered and 22% of the bets to win the title. Florida is the second-most popular team with 21% of the money and 18% of the bets.</p><p>As the tournament landscape changes and favorites reign supreme early, everyone might have to recalibrate how to approach the first few rounds. But the one thing that shouldn't change: One of the top seeds will eventually cut down the nets in April.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Where are the upsets? Favorites dominate March Madness' opening rounds

It's a weekend loaded with hoops, and one day remains before a pause in the action. This year's t...

<p>It's a weekend loaded with hoops, and one day remains before a pause in the action. This year's tournament has featured fewer upsets than usual, but high quality basketball is still on display.</p><p>With eight games Sunday to close the Round of 32, here are three picks we're rolling with.</p><h3>No. 7 Saint Mary's +5.5 vs. No. 2 Alabama </h3><p>This matchup features two contrasting styles. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a> plays with the fastest tempo among tournament teams and jacks up threes frequently, while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/915" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/915">Saint Mary's</a> plays with the third-slowest pace and isn't a high-volume 3-point-shooting team. The Gaels score in the paint and dominate the offensive glass for second-chance opportunities. Alabama also has the highest-scoring offense in the tournament, while Saint Mary's allows the third-fewest points per game among tourney teams.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Something has to give. Saint Mary's slow pace should limit the possessions, favoring a low-scoring matchup and potential upset. Alabama will try to speed the game up, but that's a difficult task given the Gaels' style.</p><p>The Crimson Tide struggled in their opening-round game against No. 15 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/896" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/896">Robert Morris</a> before pulling away in the final minutes. If they come out stumbling against Saint Mary's, they'll go home earlier than expected.</p><h3>No. 4 Maryland -7.5 vs. No. 12 Colorado State </h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a> has a great path to the Sweet 16 for a No. 4 seed, including a Round of 32 showdown against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/264" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/264">Colorado State</a>. </p><p>The Terps have the highest-scoring starting five in the country, and although the bench has been an issue, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/110723" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/110723">DeShawn Harris-Smith</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/86119" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/86119">Jordan Geronimo</a> have been productive reserves. They also have a balanced scoring attack, a daunting frontcourt, dependable guards, and one of the best defenses in the country. Even if shots aren't falling, Maryland can grind out results by shutting down the opposing team's offense, as it did when it beat <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/427" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/427">Grand Canyon</a> by 32 in the opening round.</p><p>Maryland has been on the wrong end of some unlucky breaks in close contests, but this one shouldn't be close. The discrepancy between Maryland's starting lineup and Colorado State's is as large as the Atlantic Ocean.</p><h3>No. 6 Illinois -1.5 vs. No. 3 Kentucky</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/483" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/483">Illinois</a> is finally healthy and playing its best basketball of the season at the perfect time. The Fighting Illini won five of their last six games, including a comfortable win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1252" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1252">Xavier</a> in the Round of 64.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a>'s offensive firepower is enough to carry it deep into the tourney, but the Wildcats' inconsistency has been an issue the last few months. Their problems are on the defensive end, where they surrender 77.9 points per game, the second most of any tournament team. Illinois, meanwhile, has averaged over 90 points per game in its last five wins. </p><p>The Fighting Illini will score easily against Kentucky and advance to the Sweet 16 as a lower-seeded favorite.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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March Madness bets: Sunday's Round of 32 picks

College basketball fans and bettors have some time to breathe between the Round of 64 and the Rou...

<p>College basketball fans and bettors have some time to breathe between the Round of 64 and the Round of 32. The chaos slows for a moment before starting up again, so let's dive into our favorite plays for Saturday's Round of 32.</p><h3>No. 12 McNeese State +5.5 over No. 4 Purdue</h3><p>People were skeptical of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/644" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/644">McNeese State</a>'s tournament chances after it was revealed that head coach Will Wade is expected to leave for <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/762" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/762">NC State</a>. But Wade's team showed up with infectious energy, racing out to a 31-13 halftime lead over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/250">Clemson</a>.</p><p>McNeese State's Cinderella run can extend to the Sweet 16 with a favorable matchup over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/459" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/459">High Point</a> didn't have the offensive firepower to take advantage of Purdue's leaky defense - which ranks outside the top 150 in defensive efficiency since Feb. 1 - in the opening round. But the Cowboys have the weapons to score with the Boilermakers. The former shot 50% from the free-throw line and 21% from three against Clemson and still scored 69 points. And McNeese State has the athletes to contain <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102884" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102884">Braden Smith</a> and Purdue's backcourt. I'll pick the Cowboys to keep it close and potentially pull off another upset.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>No. 11 Drake +7.5 over No. 3 Texas Tech</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/325" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/325">Drake</a>'s game plan worked to perfection against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/684" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/684">Missouri</a>. Drake plays with the slowest tempo in the country and grinds teams down defensively. The Bulldogs want to limit possessions, which usually helps underdogs pull off upsets. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a> is a formidable opponent and will try to speed up play, but it let <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/764" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/764">UNC Wilmington</a> hang around in the opening contest and won't have an answer for Drake's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163707" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163707">Bennett Stirtz</a>. Drake's fairytale run isn't ending in the Round of 32.</p><h3>No. 9 Creighton +9.5 over No. 1 Auburn</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/287" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/287">Creighton</a> has the defensive personnel to slow down <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a>'s attack. The Tigers have had solid shooting outings but like to get downhill and dominate inside, while the Bluejays play a drop coverage against pick-and-rolls, allowing big man<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85101" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85101"> Ryan Kalkbrenner</a> to sit in the paint and protect the rim. Auburn must move Kalkbrenner away from the basket to secure a win. The Bluejays will pull off the upset if the Tigers try to win from three.</p><p>Creighton is as well coached as any team in the tournament and has experienced players in Kalkbrenner and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/89116" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/89116">Steven Ashworth</a>, who complement each other offensively as a paint presence and an elite shooter. I have the Bluejays in my Final Four, so I'm definitely rolling with them catching 9.5 points.</p><h3>No. 8 Gonzaga +5.5 over No. 1 Houston</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/421" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/421">Gonzaga</a> annihilated <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/413" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/413">Georgia</a> in the Round of 64, and there's a case that the Bulldogs are criminally under-seeded. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> has won 27 of its last 28 games and appears immune to upsets, but it drew a difficult Round of 32 matchup.</p><p>Houston starter <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/76186" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/76186">J'Wan Roberts</a> returned from an ankle injury in the opening game after missing the last two contests. He played 20 minutes in a blowout win, but Houston needs him at full strength to defeat Gonzaga. Although the Cougars have the second-best defense in the country, the Bulldogs' efficient offense averages the second-most points per game among tournament teams by dominating in the paint. Gonzaga frequently earns trips to the free-throw line and rarely turns the ball over, a formula that often leads to upsets. I don't believe the Bulldogs will win outright, but it should be a close game.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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March Madness bets: Drake among 4 underdogs to back on Saturday

Ready to do it again on Friday? We have you covered for the second day of the Round of 64. Let's ...

<p>Ready to do it again on Friday? We have you covered for the second day of the Round of 64. Let's dive into our best bets for Friday's slate.</p><h3>No. 14 Lipscomb +14.5 vs. No. 3 Iowa State (1:30 p.m. ET)</h3><p>A double-digit underdog will cover - and win outright - in the opening round. We just need to identify the right one. Betting against an injured group that has struggled over the last few weeks is the way to go. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/501" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/501">Iowa State</a> guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96005" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96005">Keshon Gilbert</a>, the Cyclones' leader in assists and second-leading scorer, is out for the tournament. They've lost four of their last seven games.</p><p>Iowa State might have enough depth to withstand his injury in the opening round, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/576" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/576">Lipscomb</a> rarely turns the ball over and plays at a slow pace, which should limit the total possessions. If Lipscomb races to an early lead with its relatively efficient offense, it'll be hard for Iowa State to recover.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>No. 12 Colorado State -1.5 vs. No. 5 Memphis (2 p.m. ET)</h3><p>This line says everything. No. 12 seeds are rarely favored over No. 5 seeds. Mountain West squads have a poor track record in the NCAA Tournament, but they typically play power conference teams. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/647" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/647">Memphis</a> only suffered two losses in a weak AAC. </p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/264" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/264">Colorado State </a>has won 10 straight games entering the Big Dance. Meanwhile, Memphis' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95656" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95656">Tyrese Hunter </a>is out and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/92605" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/92605">Dante Harris</a>' injury status remains unclear. This should be a close game based on the line, and I'll roll with Colorado State's top-five free-throw percentage among tournament teams.</p><h3>No. 11 North Carolina -1.5 vs. No. 6 Ole Miss (4:05 p.m. ET)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/756" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/756">North Carolina</a> has no business being in the NCAA Tournament based on its resume, but it could make a run in the Big Dance.</p><p>The Tar Heels boat-raced <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/923" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/923">San Diego State</a> in the First Four game, earning a date with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/680" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/680">Ole Miss</a>. North Carolina has played better over the last month despite only earning one Quad 1 win in a weak ACC, winning nine of its past 11 games. Meanwhile, Ole Miss has lost five of its past eight. North Carolina is favored for a reason despite being the lower seed. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/87454" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/87454">RJ Davis</a> is talented enough to lead the Tar Heels on a run.</p><h3>No. 6 Illinois -3.5 vs. No. 11 Xavier (9:45 p.m. ET)</h3><p>Since Jan. 8, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/483" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/483">Illinois</a> has implemented seven different starting lineups due to various injuries and illnesses. That lack of continuity produced a 4-7 stretch. However, the Fighting Illini are healthy and closed the regular season with four straight wins. Illinois has the talent edge over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1252" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1252">Xavier</a>, which snuck into the dance as one of the final at-large bids and outlasted Texas in the First Four game.</p><h3>No. 12 Liberty +6.5 vs. No. 5 Oregon (10:10 p.m. ET)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/569" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/569">Liberty</a> has the formula to play spoiler with a reliable shooting group and a gritty defense. The Flames connect on 39.5% of their threes, the nation's fifth-best mark. They also hold teams to 28% shooting from beyond the arc, the third-lowest opponent 3-point percentage in the tournament.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/823" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/823">Oregon</a>'s shooting isn't dependable. If Liberty gets hot from long range, it'll pull off the upset. This game will come down to shooting and defending the three, which gives the Flames the edge.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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March Madness bets: Friday's Round of 64 picks

It's time to play hooky from work, sit on the couch, and enjoy the madness.   There are 16 games ...

<p>It's time to play hooky from work, sit on the couch, and enjoy the madness. </p><p>There are 16 games Thursday, and while betting on all of them might seem fun now, you'll likely regret that decision by the time your head hits the pillow at the end of the day. But don't worry - we're here to sort through the games and give our favorite bets for Thursday's slate.</p><p>First, here's our preview content to get you ready for the madness:</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><ul>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241968" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241968">Seven trends to follow</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241959" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241959">East Region preview</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3244796" href="https://thescore.com/news/3244796">West Region preview</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245427" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245427">South Region preview</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245572" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245572">Midwest Region preview</a></li>
<li><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245567" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245567">Potential first-round upsets</a></li>
</ul><p>Now, onto the bets.</p><h3>Creighton +2.5 vs. Louisville (12:15 p.m. ET)</h3><p>Few duos in the tournament are more trustworthy than <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/287" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/287">Creighton</a> guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/89116" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/89116">Steven Ashworth</a> and big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85101" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85101">Ryan Kalkbrenner</a>, who complement each other perfectly with the former's shooting and the latter's paint presence. Creighton's other starters aren't as consistent, but Louisville is overvalued in this spot. While the Cardinals will benefit from a home crowd in Lexington, Kentucky, their impressive record is misleading due to a weak ACC.</p><p>Creighton has tournament experience and is as well coached as any team in the field.</p><h3>High Point +7.5 vs. Purdue, Over 152.5 (12:40 p.m. ET)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a> has the 155th-worst defense in the country since Feb. 1, according to <a href="https://barttorvik.com/?year=2025&amp;sort=AdjDE&amp;hteam=&amp;t2value=&amp;conlimit=All&amp;state=All&amp;begin=20250201&amp;end=20250501&amp;top=0&amp;revquad=0&amp;quad=5&amp;venue=All&amp;type=All&amp;mingames=0#">Bart Torvik</a>. It allows opponents to shoot 56% from 2-point range, the worst mark of any tournament team. High Point's defense, meanwhile, struggles against pick-and-roll-heavy guards like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102884" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102884">Braden Smith</a>. This should be a high-scoring affair, and High Point's offense can keep pace with Purdue's.</p><p>The Boilermakers, who lost six of their last nine games, will return to their notorious March shortcomings after appearing in last year's national championship.</p><h3>Arkansas +4.5 vs. Kansas (7:10 p.m. ET)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/524" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/524">Kansas</a> entered the season as one of the national title favorites and has been a mess for most of the campaign. The Jayhawks went 4-5 in their last nine games, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/86939" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/86939">Hunter Dickinson</a>'s talent hasn't led to nearly as much winning as expected. He stumbles out of double teams and doesn't get much help from his teammates. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96515" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96515">Zeke Mayo</a> is the only other player averaging double figures.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/71" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/71">Arkansas</a> has had its issues this season, but it won five of its last seven contests. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/161991" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/161991">Boogie Fland</a> is also back in the lineup, and John Calipari will bring him off the bench and likely limit his workload. This is ultimately a matchup between two powerhouse coaches - Calipari and Bill Self - whose teams both had disappointing seasons.</p><p>Kansas will be sent home and its fans will say good riddance to the Dickinson experience.</p><h3>Drake +6.5 vs Missouri, Under 131.5 (7:35 p.m. ET)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/325" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/325">Drake</a> averages the fewest possessions per game in the country, and its purposefully slow tempo increases its chances of an upset. The lower the score, the tighter the game will be. Drake's defense holds opponents to 58.4 points per game, the best scoring defense of any tournament team.</p><p>The Bulldogs successfully force turnovers, crash the offensive glass, and get to the free-throw line - three areas that often lead to upsets in the Big Dance. They also have the third-best free throw rate among tournament teams, the third-best opponent turnover rate, and the seventh-best offensive rebounding rate. </p><p>We're again fading a team that's trending in the wrong direction heading into the postseason, as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/684" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/684">Missouri</a> lost five of its last seven games.</p><h3>UC San Diego +2.5 vs. Michigan (10 p.m. ET)</h3><p>Instead of fading a team that's spiraling, let's fade a squad coming off an impressive Big Ten Tournament title. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/659" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/659">Michigan</a> played four games in four days from last Thursday to Sunday and was then stuck with a Thursday game in Denver. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/188" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/188">UC San Diego</a>, meanwhile, has benefitted from extra rest.</p><p>UC San Diego could have trouble with Michigan's size, but the Wolverines have struggled with turnovers all season. They have the third-worst turnover rate among tournament teams, while UC San Diego has the best opponent turnover rate and scores the most points off turnovers.</p><p>We often see teams enjoy successful conference tournament runs and then stumble in the tournament. Michigan will be the latest example.</p><h3>Yale +7.5 vs. Texas A&amp;M (7:25 p.m. ET)</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1070" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1070">Texas A&amp;M</a> is the nation's best offensive rebounding team. It creates extra possessions by crashing the glass. Nearly 23% of their points come from second-chance opportunities, the highest percentage in the tournament field. </p><p>But <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1254" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1254">Yale</a> has the personnel to neutralize Texas A&amp;M's strength with a physical frontcourt and strong defensive rebounders. It's also one of the tournament's best 3-point shooting teams, while Texas A&amp;M can't shoot from deep.</p><p>This is a bad matchup for the Aggies.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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March Madness bets: Thursday's opening-round picks

It's time for everyone's favorite part of preparing for the NCAA Tournament: picking upsets. The ...

<p>It's time for everyone's favorite part of preparing for the NCAA Tournament: picking upsets. The lower seeds shocking the world is why the Madness moniker follows March. Without upsets, this tournament wouldn't be so enthralling. They also lead to profitable bets if you fire on the right underdogs.</p><p>In this article, we're targeting the bracket-busting upsets that can lead to big money if you nail these moneyline underdogs. And this feature doesn't include upsets like UC San Diego, Creighton, or Arkansas. Although those teams are underdogs, those point spreads are fewer than five points. We'll save those for our best Thursday and Friday bets.</p><h3>No. 13 High Point +7.5 (+290) over No. 4 Purdue</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a> has lost six of its last nine games, almost entirely because of its horrific defense. The Boilermakers allow opponents to shoot 56% from 2-point range, the worst mark of any tournament team. Their perimeter defense is also non-existent, which <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/459" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/459">High Point</a> will exploit with shifty guards who can get into the lane.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Panthers have won 14 consecutive contests, the nation's second-longest winning streak. However, they played only one top-100 opponent all season. They struggle against pick-and-roll heavy guards like <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102884" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102884">Braden Smith</a>, so this will likely be a high-scoring contest. High Point is a respectable shooting team and should score at will against Purdue, which has trended downward over the last month.</p><h3>No. 11 Drake +6.5 (+220) over No. 6 Missouri</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/325" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/325">Drake</a> has tested the theory that Division II players can compete at the Division I level. The Bulldogs' squad consists of many former Divison II hoopers who have proven they were ready to compete against elevated competition.</p><p>Drake plays a deliberately slow brand of basketball, setting up its offense almost entirely in the halfcourt. The group averages the fewest possessions per game in the country. Fewer possessions usually lead to a lower score and a better chance of an upset.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/163702" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/163702">Mitch Mascari </a>is one of the tournament's best 3-point shooters and plays nearly the entire game (38.5 minutes per game). <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/684" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/684">Missouri</a>'s defense can't fall asleep when locating Mascari.</p><p>The Bulldogs' formula revolves around slowing the game down, getting to the free-throw line, crashing the offensive glass, and forcing turnovers. They have the third-best opponent turnover rate among tournament teams and the seventh-best offensive rebounding rate. Lower-seeded programs often use that recipe to pull off upsets.</p><p>Drake's slow pace helps hold opponents to 58.4 points per game, the best scoring defense of any tournament program. The Bulldogs have the formula to upset Missouri, which lost five of its last seven contests.</p><h3>No. 12 Liberty +7.5 (+260) over No. 5 Oregon</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/569" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/569">Liberty</a> is the nation's fifth-best 3-point shooting squad, drilling 39.5% of its threes. A mid-major with as many prolific shooters as the Flames is primed to play spoiler and potentially go on a Cinderella run. They also defend at a high level, allowing 62.9 points per game and holding teams to 28% 3-point shooting, the third-best mark in the tournament.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/823" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/823">Oregon</a> is already a below-average shooting team and doesn't have enough offensive weapons to keep up if Liberty gets hot from three. The Flames' weakness is often mediocre rebounding, but the Ducks aren't a strong rebounding group either. Oregon had an impressive season in its first year in the Big Ten, but its run will end in the Round of 64.</p><h3>No. 13 Yale +7.5 (+270) over No. 4 Texas A&amp;M</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1070" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1070">Texas A&amp;M</a> is one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the tournament, yet its offense survives because of its dominant offensive rebounding. The Aggies clean up 40% of their misses, the best offensive rebounding rate in the country. Nearly 23% of their points come from second-chance opportunities, the highest percentage in the tournament field.</p><p>That strength is why <a href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1254">Yale</a> is a brutal matchup for Texas A&amp;M. The Bulldogs are a physical squad that'll neutralize the Aggies' advantage on the glass. Yale has the tournament's eighth-best opponent offensive rebounding rate. It's also one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the tourney but struggles to defend the three. Still, Texas A&amp;M doesn't have the shooters to take advantage.</p><p>Mid-majors rarely pull off upsets two years in a row - No. 13 Yale defeated No. 4 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a> last year - but the Bulldogs were dealt the perfect opponent in what will be a physical showdown.</p><h3>No. 14 Lipscomb +14.5 (+900) over No. 3 Iowa State</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/501" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/501">Iowa State</a> is limping into the Big Dance. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/96005" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/96005">Keshon Gilbert</a> is out for the tournament, a major blow to the Cyclones' backcourt. Although they've played without Gilbert a few times this season, he's a key part of their offensive operation as the assist leader. Iowa State had the makings of a national title contender when it was at full strength early this season, but it lost four of its last seven games.</p><p>For those wondering, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/576" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/576">Lipscomb</a> is a small private school in Tennessee. It won 25 contests as a member of the Atlantic Sun.</p><p>Iowa State's defense leads to offense, forcing turnovers and scoring in transition. However, Lipscomb rarely turns the ball over. It typically doesn't play the type of athletes on Iowa State, but this is March. The Bisons will play like they have nothing to lose while all the pressure is on the Cyclones. The point spread indicates this is an unlikely upset, but why not be on the right side of history?</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Targeting 5 opening-round upsets to kick off the madness

We've covered the East, West, and South regions. Now, we're diving into the fourth and final regi...

<p><span style="margin:0px; padding:0px; text-align:left">We've covered the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241959" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241959">East</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3244796" href="https://thescore.com/news/3244796">West</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3245427" href="https://thescore.com/news/3245427">South</a> regions. Now, we're diving into the fourth and final region in the bracket: the Midwest. Is <a target="_blank" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> destined to make the Final Four, or can another team prevent the Cougars from heading to San Antonio?</span></p><h3>Midwest Region odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Houston</td>
<td>+120</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tennessee</td>
<td>+350</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gonzaga</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kentucky</td>
<td>+900</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Illinois</td>
<td>+1100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Purdue</td>
<td>+1300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UCLA</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td>+8000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>McNeese State</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Utah State</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Xavier</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>Odds via theScore Bet. No odds longer than 100-1 listed.</em></p><h3>Midwest Region Winner: Houston +120</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> is the only No. 1 seed with plus odds to advance to the Final Four. Let's pounce on the oddsmakers' mistake. All of the recent champions had exceptional guard play and veteran-led groups. The Cougars check both boxes, with<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84316" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84316"> L.J. Cryer</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103134" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103134">Emanuel Sharp</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/103081" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/103081">Milos Uzan</a> averaging at least 11 points. Houston needs forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/76186" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/76186">J'Wan Roberts </a>back, but he's expected to return for the tournament.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The Cougars have been mostly immune to upsets, winning 26 of their last 27 games in one of the best conferences in the country. That shouldn't change against inferior opponents in the Big Dance. Houston has the nation's second-best defense and the 10th-best offense. This team has the makings of a national championship group. While a potential Round of 32 matchup against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/421" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/421">Gonzaga</a> won't be easy, this region is relatively light on contenders.</p><h3>Long-shot pick: Clemson +1400</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/250">Clemson</a> is one of seven teams with top-25 offensive and defensive efficiency ratings, per <a href="https://kenpom.com/index.php">KenPom</a>. It won 15 of its last 17 games, which includes a win over <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a>. Leading scorer <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/76739" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/76739">Chase Hunter</a> is a reliable guard who can create for himself in late-game situations as a 41% 3-point shooter. And he's surrounded by dependable shooting and frontcourt depth.</p><p>With eight players averaging at least 10 minutes, Clemson has the bodies to stay fresh. The Tigers open with a first-round contest against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/644" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/644">McNeese State</a>, a solid mid-major program led by a great coach in Will Wade. If they escape the Cowboys, they play the winner of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/459" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/459">High Point</a>. Clemson will likely have to beat Houston to make a serious run. It's hard to imagine the Cougars losing, but Clemson has the personnel to give them a fight.</p><h3>Best opening-round bet</h3><p><strong>High Point +7.5 vs. Purdue</strong></p><p>Aside from a trip to the national title game with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121683" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121683">Zach Edey</a> last year, Purdue coach Matt Painter doesn't have the best track record in the NCAA Tournament. The Boilermakers displayed their vulnerability down the season's stretch, losing six of their final nine games.</p><p>The concerns are almost entirely on the defensive end. Purdue's leaky perimeter defense allows opponents to get in the lane and shoot 56% from 2-point range, the worst mark of all tournament teams. High Point's defense isn't particularly dangerous either, so All-American guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/102884" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/102884">Braden Smith</a> could go nuclear. However, the Panthers' offense will score enough to hang around and potentially pull off the upset over the 4-seed.</p><h3>Region future bets</h3><p><strong>Illinois to make the Sweet 16 (+120)</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/483" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/483">Illinois</a> had a rough season relative to expectations, but that wasn't entirely its fault. Due to various injuries and illnesses, it implemented seven different starting lineups since Jan. 8, leading to a 4-7 stretch. However, Illinois closed the regular season with four straight wins before a blowout loss to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a> in the Big Ten Tournament.</p><p>The Fighting Illini have been healthy and playing better over the last few weeks. They'll play the winner of the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1252" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1252">Xavier</a>-<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1069" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1069">Texas</a> play-in matchup and then take on a vulnerable <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a> team that has offensive firepower but has struggled to string together wins over the last couple of months.</p><p><strong>Clemson to make Sweet 16 (+120)</strong></p><p>I was surprised to see Clemson at plus-money for all the reasons previously explained. It's a 7.5-point favorite over McNeese State and would be favored over High Point if it pulled off the upset over Purdue. The Tigers have matchup advantages all over the floor if they face the Boilermakers in the Round of 32.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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Midwest Region betting preview: Houston or the field? 

After sorting through the East and West regions, it's time to focus on the South Region. We're pr...

<p>After sorting through the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241959" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241959">East</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3244796" href="https://thescore.com/news/3244796">West</a> regions, it's time to focus on the South Region. We're predicting chaos in the South while eyeing some long shots worth wagering on.</p><h3>South Region odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Auburn</td>
<td>-110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan State</td>
<td>+475</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Iowa State</td>
<td>+600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas A&amp;M</td>
<td>+1400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Louisville</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ole Miss</td>
<td>+2200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Marquette</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>North Carolina</td>
<td>+2800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Creighton</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UC San Diego</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Odds longer than 50-1 not listed</em></p><h3>South Region winner: Michigan State +475</h3><p>There's almost always one chaotic region that produces a lower-seeded Final Four team. This has the potential to do that. My long-shot pick below is my Final Four pick in brackets, but we'll still consider it a long shot because the odds are lengthy.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a> is rightfully the favorite with its experience and talent, but it trended downward over the last week, losing three of its final four games.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660"> Michigan State</a> won the Big Ten regular season title with its depth and balanced scoring attack. This Spartans group is a classic Tom Izzo-coached squad, relying on defense and rebounding to win games. Michigan State has solid guard play, a necessity in the tournament, and clutch shotmaking that could catapult it to the Final Four. Izzo is a proven winner in March. He's the last Big Ten coach to win a national title and could make a run at it again 25 years later.</p><h3>Long shot pick: Creighton +4000</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/287" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/287">Creighton</a> has incredibly long odds because it's an underdog in its opening game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/589" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/589">Louisville</a>, which will benefit from a partisan crowd in Lexington, Kentucky. However, Creighton is the better team with experienced tournament players.</p><p>If it escapes Louisville, Creighton has a good chance to be the first team to knock off a No. 1 seed. The Bluejays play a drop coverage in the pick-and-roll and protect the rim effectively with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/85101" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/85101">Ryan Kalkbrenner</a>. They will force Auburn to rely on outside shooting, where the Tigers are inconsistent. Creighton coach Greg McDermott is one of the best in the country and knows what it takes to win in March. This under-seeded Creighton team has the personnel and experience to advance far.</p><h3>Best opening-round bet</h3><p><strong>UC San Diego +2.5 vs. Michigan</strong></p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/188" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/188">UC San Diego </a>opened as a 4.5-point underdog and bettors pounced on the Tritons. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/659" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/659">Michigan</a> won the Big Ten Tournament title Sunday, which involved playing four games in four days. The Wolverines traveled from Indianapolis back to Michigan, then to Denver to get ready for a Thursday game. Meanwhile, San Diego has had more rest over the past week.</p><p>Michigan's late-season downfall (before its Big Ten Tournament run) was largely because of turnovers. The Wolverines have the third-worst turnover rate among tournament teams, and UC San Diego is the perfect team to exploit that. The Tritons lead the field in opponent turnover rate and points off turnovers. UC San Diego 's defense should shut down Michigan.</p><h3>Region future bets</h3><p><strong>UC San Diego to reach the Sweet 16 (+360)</strong></p><p>When UC San Diego defeats Michigan outright - it's only +125 on the moneyline - it will have to beat either <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1070" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1070">Texas A&amp;M</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1254" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1254">Yale</a> in the Round of 32, two winnable matchups. Yale is a popular upset pick after it stunned Auburn last year. Texas A&amp;M is a tough group that dominates the offensive glass, but UC San Diego is gritty defensively, too. It would only be a slight underdog against Texas A&amp;M and should be favored over Yale. </p><p>This is a price to take advantage of after UC San Diego rolled through the Big West en route to 30 wins and a 15-game winning streak entering the tournament. </p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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South Region betting preview: Why Creighton can cause chaos

While the East Region feels chalky with the favorites expected to advance far, the West Region is...

<p>While the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241959" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241959">East Region</a> feels chalky with the favorites expected to advance far, the West Region is the opposite. This group has many legitimate national title contenders and incredible coaching personalities, including Dan Hurley, John Calipari, Bill Self, and Rick Pitino. While we can try to predict what will happen, drama and excitement are the only certainties.</p><h3>West Region odds</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>-110</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas Tech</td>
<td>+500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>St. John's</td>
<td>+550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Maryland</td>
<td>+850</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kansas</td>
<td>+1500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Missouri</td>
<td>+1800</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UConn</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Colorado State</td>
<td>+5000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arkansas</td>
<td>+8000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oklahoma</td>
<td>+8000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Memphis</td>
<td>+10000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Drake</td>
<td>+15000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Odds longer than 150-1 not listed</em></p><h3>East region winner: St. John's +550</h3><p>If this were just a bracket, I'd take <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a>. But I don't see any value in the Gators at -110. This isn't getting <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> at a short price with an easy path. Florida is the best team in the West Region but will have to go through a gauntlet to reach the Final Four.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1011" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1011">St. John's</a> is where the value lies. The Johnnies have the best defensive efficiency rating in the country. They prevent offenses from getting into their actions or generating quality looks. St. John's problem is often abysmal 3-point shooting, which explains why oddsmakers discredit them. However, Pitino has gone far in the tournament with defensive-oriented teams who struggle to shoot.</p><p>The Johnnies score the second-most second-chance points among tournament teams and seventh-most paint points. Their gritty, physical brand of basketball wears down opponents for 40 minutes.</p><h3>Long-shot pick: Maryland +850</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a> has the highest-scoring starting five in the country, but its game isn't unbalanced; the Terps also have the sixth-best defense. Maryland finished second in the Big Ten and ended the regular season winning eight of its last nine contests. Its lone loss over that span came when <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660">Michigan State</a> drilled a half-court heave at the buzzer.</p><p>The Terps have the necessary guard play and frontcourt prowess with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/121822" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/121822">Derik Queen</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/95513" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/95513">Julian Reese</a> to knock off Florida in a potential Sweet 16 showdown. Maryland's bench production is some of the worst in the country, but rotations are tightened in postseason basketball.</p><p>KenPom ranks Maryland as the nation's 12th-best team, which makes the Terps worth a Final Four ticket at this price.</p><h3>Best opening-round bet</h3><p><strong>No. 12 Colorado State -2.5 vs. No. 5 Memphis</strong></p><p>The line says everything. No. 12 seeds are rarely favored over No. 5 seeds, but <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/647" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/647">Memphis</a> is not a strong 5-seed. The Tigers have an impressive nonconference resume but have looked merely average in a weak AAC.</p><p>Mountain West teams don't have a good record in the NCAA Tournament, but that's because they usually face power conference teams. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/264" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/264">Colorado State</a> earned its bid by winning the Mountain West Tournament and is rewarded with playing another mid-major. If this game is close late, the Rams' top-five free-throw percentage among tournament teams will carry them to a win.</p><h3>Region future bets</h3><p><strong>Texas Tech to make the Elite Eight +170</strong></p><p>As good as St. John's is defensively, its offensive concerns and tournament inexperience could hurt in a potential Sweet 16 matchup against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1079" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1079">Texas Tech</a>, which is ranked ahead of the Johnnies on KenPom. The Red Raiders have the country's sixth-best offense and a manageable path to the Sweet 16. They finished second in the Big 12 with an impressive win over Houston. Texas Tech hasn't garnered as much attention in this region because of other programs' pedigree, but the Red Raiders are a serious threat.</p><p><strong>Maryland to make the Elite Eight +450</strong></p><p>I already explained why Maryland can win the region, and the same rationale applies to earning a spot in the Elite Eight. The Terps have an easy path to the Sweet 16, and they'll likely play Florida in that spot. Maryland, which is capable of matching Florida's offensive production, can win that game. The Terps will be underdogs against the Gators, but not as long as +450.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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West Region betting preview: Florida heavily favored, St. John's brings value

We already provided readers with a guide to trends and strategies for placing bets and filling ou...

<p>We already provided readers with a guide to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3241968" href="https://thescore.com/news/3241968">trends and strategies</a> for placing bets and filling out brackets, but now we're breaking down every region with our picks, long shots, futures, and opening-round bets. Let's start with the East Region.</p><h3>Odds to win the East Region</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Team</th>
<th>Odds</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Duke</td>
<td>-135</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>+425</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arizona</td>
<td>+850</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wisconsin</td>
<td>+1000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BYU</td>
<td>+2000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Saint Mary's</td>
<td>+2500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oregon</td>
<td>+3300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Baylor</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mississippi State</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VCU</td>
<td>+4000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vanderbilt</td>
<td>+7500</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*Odds longer than 300-1 not listed </em></p><h3>East Region winner: Duke -135</h3><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> has the shortest odds to make the Final Four of any team in the field of 68 for two reasons: The Blue Devils have been the most dominant team in the country for the last three months, and they have an easy path to the Final Four.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Duke won 27 of its last 28 games, including two wins without <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162169" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162169">Cooper Flagg</a> against tournament teams <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/756" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/756">North Carolina</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/589" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/589">Louisville</a> in the ACC tourney. Flagg is expected to return for the Big Dance. The Blue Devils need the surefire top pick in the upcoming NBA draft, but they showcased how effective they can be without him. Their offense centered around <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/162168" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/162168">Kon Knueppel</a>, a dynamic shooter who displayed his pick-and-roll playmaking abilities.</p><p>Flagg will have time to adjust to any limitations caused by his ankle injury. The Blue Devils will play the winner of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/109" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/109">Baylor</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/682" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/682">Mississippi State</a> - two mediocre teams - with pending matchups against weak No. 4 and 5 seeds. Duke making the Elite Eight is the lock of the tournament; oddsmakers give Duke a 71% chance (-250) to get there, where it could meet Alabama, the toughest opponent in the region.</p><p>While <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a> is a legitimate threat with a deep rotation and high-octane offense, this group isn't as good as the one that made the Final Four last year. Defensive struggles and turnovers are an issue, but that didn't hurt the team in the 2024 tourney. The difference is 3-point efficiency: The Crimson Tide shot at least 42% from three in three of their four tournament wins last year, and they've only shot better than 38% from long range twice in their last nine games. It's hard to imagine Alabama catching fire in the tournament again.</p><h3>Long-shot pick: BYU +1800</h3><p>No. 6 seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/155" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/155">BYU</a> has a difficult first-round game against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1147" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1147">VCU</a>, but it's got a favorable path if it escapes the opening round. It's on the opposite side from Duke; it wouldn't play the Blue Devils until the Elite Eight.</p><p>BYU owns the nation's 11th-ranked offense and can score with anyone. The Cougars' multi-layered attack features reliable shooters and brilliant drivers; the team ranks sixth in the country in 2-point percentage. BYU could face <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1234" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1234">Wisconsin</a> and Alabama as it advances through the bracket. Those teams are stylistically similar to the Cougars, but BYU should be able to keep up. BYU won nine straight conference games before losing to Houston in the Big 12 Tournament.</p><h3>Best opening-round bet</h3><p><strong>BYU -2.5 vs. VCU</strong></p><p>I feel confident betting BYU at only minus-2.5. This is a classic matchup between a prolific offense and a stingy defense.</p><p>VCU won the A-10 Tournament as the favorite. The Rams play a physical brand of basketball, and their top-10 offensive rebounding rate nationally helps them create extra possessions. Luckily for BYU, the Cougars have experience handling physical opponents and high-quality rebounding groups from playing in the Big 12. The Cougars are in the top 20 in total rebounding rate.</p><p>VCU's offense won't keep pace with BYU's attack, which has exploded for at least 85 points in six of its last seven wins.</p><h3>Region future bets</h3><p><strong>Liberty to make the Sweet 16 (+1400)</strong></p><p>Unfortunately, this is the chalkiest region, with Duke and Alabama likely on a collision course to meet in the Elite Eight. Thus, there aren't too many upsets to explore (I promise every other region preview will have more!), but it's worth taking a flier on the 12-seed to make a Sweet 16 run. A double-digit seed has made the Sweet 16 in 16 straight tournaments. Why not <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/569" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/569">Liberty</a> against a vulnerable <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/823" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/823">Oregon</a> squad as the 5-seed and potentially an overrated <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a> team as the 4-seed?</p><p>It's smart to target teams capable of catching fire from three over a few games. Liberty owns the nation's fifth-best 3-point percentage, connecting on 39.5% of its long-distance attempts. The Flames are also a respectable defensive team, holding opponents to under 99 points per 100 possessions - a top-50 mark in the country, per <a data-in-app-uri="" href="https://kenpom.com/index.php?s=RankAdjDE">KenPom</a>. Liberty has the formula to make a run, and it's worth a flier at +1400.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>

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East Region betting preview: Can anyone knock off Duke?

Whether filling out brackets or placing wagers, tons of information, data, and trends need to be ...

<p>Whether filling out brackets or placing wagers, tons of information, data, and trends need to be sorted through to make educated picks. However, sometimes the uneducated pick trumps the educated one with the madness that comes with March.</p><p>Regardless, historical trends are often used to help predict how the tournament will play out. Let's dive into some to help you pick the games and win your brackets.</p><p><strong>1. Fade (most of) the SEC early.</strong></p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This won't sit well with some SEC homers after the conference just sent 14 teams to the Big Dance, the most from a single conference in NCAA Tournament history. The conference also had the best nonconference winning percentage (.889) in college basketball history. </p><p>But that regular-season success is why you should fade many SEC teams in the tournament. Playing a difficult conference schedule can be physically and mentally draining, wearing teams down when the tournament rolls around.</p><p>The previous most dominant conferences are a good predictor of what could happen to the SEC. The ACC in 1997 had a slightly lower nonconference win percentage but a higher nonconference margin of victory. It sent six teams to the dance, and only one made it past the Sweet 16. The Big 12 in 2024 had the third-best nonconference scoring margin ever and sent eight teams. None made it past the Sweet 16, and only two advanced to the second weekend.</p><p>The Big Ten was considered one of the most dominant regular season conferences in 2021, sending nine teams to the tourney. Only one advanced to the Sweet 16.</p><p>I'm not saying every SEC team will flame out early. The juggernauts such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/86" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/86">Auburn</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/41" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/41">Alabama</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/380" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/380">Florida</a> could easily end up in the Final Four. But teams such as <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/531" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/531">Kentucky</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1070" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1070">Texas A&amp;M</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/684" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/684">Missouri</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/811" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/811">Oklahoma</a>, and others might be sent home early. Don't be surprised when only three or four SEC teams make it to the second weekend.</p><p><strong>2. Ten of the past 11 Final Fours have featured a 7-seed or higher.</strong></p><p>It's not a Final Four without a team no one expects to be there joining the party. The only Final Four in the past 11 years that didn't feature a 7-seed or higher was the 2019 tournament with 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-seeds. Ninth-seeded <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/287" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/287">Creighton</a>, 8-seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/421" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/421">Gonzaga</a>, and 11-seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/325" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/325">Drake</a> are all worthy targets this year.</p><p>If you're worried about a lower-seeded Cinderella losing early and want to be safer, each of the past 14 Final Fours had at least one team seeded four or higher.</p><p><strong>3. The champion will probably be a 1-seed.</strong></p><p>Thirteen of the past 17 national champions were 1-seeds. While it's fun to fire on upsets in the early rounds and guess the Cinderella squad that will make a run, the champion will be a top team. Middling teams can get hot for three or four games, but their luck always runs out at some point.</p><p>The national champion market isn't one you have to scroll down too far. It's almost certain the winner will be one of the teams with the best odds. The difficult task is picking which one. Auburn (+500), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/329" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/329">Duke</a> (+300), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/471" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/471">Houston</a> (+650), and Florida (+380) are this year's choices.</p><p>The four non-top seeds that won a title in the past 17 years were 4-seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/280" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/280">UConn</a> in 2023, 2-seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1145" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1145">Villanova</a> in 2016, 7-seed UConn in 2014, and 3-seed UConn in 2011. Unless you think the 8th-seeded Huskies will capture a third consecutive title, pick a 1-seed to win it all.</p><p><strong>4. Twenty-one of the past 22 national champions have finished top 25 in KenPom's offensive and defensive efficiency ranking.</strong></p><p>Seven teams qualify based on this trend: Auburn, Duke, Houston, Florida, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1063" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1063">Tennessee</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/501" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/501">Iowa State</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/250" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/250">Clemson</a>.</p><p>Four teams just missed out on qualifying but could play themselves into the top 25 of each metric with an impressive tournament run: <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/660" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/660">Michigan State</a> (No. 5 defense, No. 27 offense), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1234" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1234">Wisconsin</a> (No. 13 offense, No. 27 defense), <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/627" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/627">Maryland</a> (No. 6 defense, No. 28 offense), and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/589" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/589">Louisville</a> (No. 21 defense, No. 29 offense).</p><p><strong>5. A double-digit seed has advanced to the Sweet 16 in 16 consecutive tournaments.</strong></p><p>Never pick all chalk in the opening two rounds. Upsets will happen - some we expect and some that are downright shocking.</p><p>It's nearly guaranteed that a double-digit seed will embark on a Cinderella run and appear in the Sweet 16. History suggests it's most likely to be an 11-seed, which has 15 Sweet 16 appearances since 2011, the most of any double-digit seed. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/762" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/762">NC State</a>, which made the Final Four as an 11-seed last year, was the lone double-digit seed to earn a Sweet 16 trip. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/325" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/325">Drake</a> is an intriguing 11-seed to target this year.</p><p><strong>6. At least one No. 2 seed has been knocked out before the Sweet 16 in 24 of the past 27 tournaments.</strong></p><p>Coincidentally, one of the three tournaments that all No. 2 seeds advanced to the second weekend was last year when Iowa State, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/620" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/620">Marquette</a>, Tennessee, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/69" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/69">Arizona</a> reached the Sweet 16.</p><p>Typically, it's safe to assume at least one 2-seed will be upset in the first or second round - most likely in the second round by a 7- or 10-seed. Furthermore, a 2-seed has failed to reach the championship game in 10 of the past 11 tournaments - Villanova was the exception when it won the title as a 2-seed in 2016. March Madness is not kind to 2-seeds.</p><p>Which 2-seed will be knocked out early this year? <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1011" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1011">St. John's</a> will play either <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/524" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/524">Kansas</a> or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/71" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/71">Arkansas</a> in the second round and Michigan State will likely face Marquette, both of which are potential upset spots. However, Tennessee is the most vulnerable of the 2-seeds.</p><p><strong>7. At least one 12-seed usually beats a 5-seed and a top-four seed typically goes down. Who will it be this year?</strong></p><p>A 12-seed has defeated a 5-seed in 33 of the past 39 tournaments. It's always the most popular upset on brackets for good reason. No. 12 seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/188" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/188">UC San Diego </a>will be a trendy pick to upset No. 5 seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/659" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/659">Michigan</a>. The betting line indicates it'll be a close game. Michigan opened as a 4.5-point favorite, but that has shrunk to 2.5 as bettors pounced on UC San Diego.</p><p>The Wolverines won the Big Ten title, but that entailed playing four games in four days. It now must travel to Denver for a Thursday tipoff while UC San Diego has extra rest. No. 12 seed<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/264" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/264"> Colorado State</a> against No. 5 seed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/647" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/647">Memphis</a> is another possible upset.</p><p>Another popular upset is a top-16 team losing in the first round. At least one top-4 seed has lost in the opening round in 15 of the past 16 tournaments. Last year, No. 13 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/1254" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/1254">Yale</a> defeated No. 4 Auburn, and No. 14 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/798" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/798">Oakland</a> knocked off 3-seed Kentucky. No. 4 seeds <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/872" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/872">Purdue</a> and Texas A&amp;M could be susceptible with challenging matchups against <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/teams/459" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/teams/459">High Point</a> and Yale, respectively.</p><p><em>Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. </em><em>You can follow him on X <a href="https://twitter.com/soshtry">@soshtry</a> for more betting coverage.</em></p>

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7 March Madness trends to consider for filling brackets, making bets

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