2013 March Madness Minnesota vs. UCLA Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
AUSTIN, TX (The Spread) – The final game of the second round of the 2013 March Madness tournament will tip off tonight at 9:57PM ET when Minnesota takes on UCLA. Will the Gophers down the Bruins?
ODDS: Oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv have installed Minnesota as a 3.5-point favorite despite being an 11 seed versus the 6th-seeded Bruins. The total, meanwhile is currently sitting at 135.5 points.
LINE MOVEMENT: The Golden Gophers opened as a 3.5-point favorite and that’s where the spread currently sits at most sports books, although the line has been bet up to 4 at some places. The total, meanwhile, opened at 132 and has been bet up to 135.5 at most books.
PUBLIC BETTING: Of the wagers placed on tonight’s game, 55% of college basketball public bettors currently favor Minnesota. This information is subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the link provided for the most up-to-date public betting numbers.
MARCH MADNESS FREE PICK: Take Minnesota. According to the latest college basketball trends, the Golden Gophers are 4-0 against the spread in their last four games after scoring less than 50 points in their previous contest and 5-1 ATS in their last six Friday games. The Bruins, meanwhile, are 1-4 against the spread in their last five NCAA tournament games and 1-4 ATS in their last five non-conference games. UCLA is also 2-5 against the number in its last seven Friday games and 7-20 ATS in its last 27 neutral site contests. Minnesota coach Tubby Smith is 29-15 all time in the tournament and while UCLA is 5-1 in the first round under Ben Howland, look for the Gophers to take down the Bruins tonight.
2013 MARCH MADNESS FREE PICK: MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS -3.5