MArch madness - round of 32 predictions / best bets
We witnessed some intense basketball the last two days. Minor programs competed toe-toe with the nation’s most elite, some of them pulling away with an upset victory. There were buzzer-beaters, late lead changes, OT forcers, and honestly just pure guts were on the court. We are left with the last 32 teams standing, so let’s take a look at who will punch their ticket to the sweet-16.
POWERHOUSE WINNERS - Some of the best teams in the country are pitted against mid-tier programs who just don’t stand a chance.
Florida vs. Iowa → Florida -10.5 (5/5)
Duke vs. TCU → Duke -11.5 (4/5) —— Consider Over 140.5 (3/5)
Illinois vs. VCU → Illinois -11.5 (4/5)
Arizona vs. Utah State → Arizona -12.5 (4/5)
UConn vs. UCLAA → UConn -4.5 (3/5) —— Consider Over 136.5 (3/5)
HOT UNDERDOGS - Major surprises took place last round, they’ll happen this round too. Momentum is huge in a tournament like this.
Texas A&M vs. Houston → Texas A&M +10.5 (5/5) —— Consider Over 142.5 (4/5)
Alabama vs. Texas Tech → Alabama ML (4/5)
Saint Louis vs. Michigan → Saint Louis +12.5 (3/5)
Louisville vs. Michigan State → Louisville ML (3/5)
High Point vs. Arkansas → High Point +11.5 (3/5)
NAILBITERS - These ones are damn near impossible to estimate properly, but with a little thinking we come down to it.
Vanderbilt vs. Nebraska → Vanderbilt -4.5 (3/5)
Iowa State vs. Kentucky → Iowa State -4.5 (3/5) —— Consider Over 145.5 (3/5)
St. John’s vs. Kansas → St. Johns -3.5 (3/5)
Virginia vs. Tennessee → Virginia ML (3/5) —— Consider Over 137.5 (3/5)
BARN BURNERS - These are the games set to be offensive SHOOTOUTS. I’m talking high-scoring, late production and offensive efficiency with minimal defense.
Gonzaga vs. Texas → Over 147.5 (5/5) —— Consider Gonzaga -6.5 (5/5)
Miami vs. Purdue → Over 147.5 (5/5) —— Consider Miami +7.5 (4/5)