Betting news, trends, odds and predictions from various handicappers and websites.
DUQUESNE is 9-1 ATS (7.9 Units) after a combined score of 125 points or less over the last 2 seasons.
AKRON is 11-4 ATS (6.6 Units) after 2 straight games with 9 or less offensive rebounds in the current season.
LONG BEACH ST is 14-5 Over (8.5 Units) in road games after a game where they covered the spread over the last 2 seasons.
ILLINOIS are 11-1 ATS (9.9 Units) in road games after a game where they made 78% of their free throws or better over the last 2 seasons.
S CAROLINA is 9-1 ATS (7.9 Units) in road games after having won 4 or 5 of their last 6 games over the last 2 seasons.
KENTUCKY is 8-0 Over (8 Units) after 2 straight games where they made 10 or more 3 point shots in the current season.
GONZAGA is 81-52 Over (23.8 Units) in road games after having won 4 of their last 5 games since 1997.
IOWA ST is 7-1 ATS (5.9 Units) after playing a game as an underdog in the current season.
ST PETERS are 7-0 ATS (7 Units) in road games after a win by 6 points or less in the current season.
TEXAS TECH is 11-0 Over (11 Units) when playing with 5 or 6 days rest over the last 2 seasons.
SAMFORD is 103-65 Over (31.5 Units) in road games after 3 consecutive conference games since 1997.
WASHINGTON ST is 7-0 Under (7 Units) in road games after failing to cover 2 of their last 3 against the spread in the current season.
NCAAB
Armadillo's Write-Up
Thursday, March 21
Thursday’s games
Day Games
Michigan State (-1.5) vs Mississippi State (@ Charlotte)
Michigan State (19-14) ranked #18 by KenPom
Tempo: #305
Experience: #61
Continuity: #14
MSU lost five of its last seven games.
Spartans are 8-3 in non-conference games.
Spartans have #58 eFG% defense in country.
MSU is 4-10 against top 50 teams.
MSU is 2-10 in games decided by 7 or less points.
Michigan State’s schedule, to this point: #12
bench minutes: #165
Michigan State won five of last six first round games.
Mississippi State (21-13) ranked #30 by KenPom
Tempo: #202
Experience: #54
Continuity: #28
Miss State lost five of its last seven games.
Bulldogs are turning ball over 18.7% of time (#290)
Bulldogs are #21 team in country on the offensive boards.
Miss State is 4-6 in games decided by 7 or less points.
Miss State is 11-2 in non-conference games.
Bulldogs are 5-10 vs top 50 teams.
Miss State’s schedule, to this point: #22
bench minutes: #114
Coach Jans is in NCAA’s for 5th time in last six years.
This year, SEC teams are 9-4 SU/ATS vs Big 14 opponents.
Favorites were 11-2 ATS in those games.
Duquesne vs BYU (-9.5) (@ Omaha)
Duquesne (24-11) ranked #86 by KenPom
Tempo: #291
Experience: #47
Continuity: #94
Duquesne won its last eight games.
Dukes are 8-3 in D-I non-conference games.
Dukes have #60 eFG% defense in country.
Duquesne is 1-3 against top 50 teams.
Duquesne is 8-4 in games decided by 7 or less points.
Duquesne’s schedule, to this point: #97
bench minutes: #83
Duquesne is in NCAA’s for first time since 1977.
Last four years, A-15 teams are 1-4 SU/ATS in NCAA’s.
Coach Dambrot is retiring after this season.
BYU (23-10) ranked #16 by KenPom
Tempo: #85
Experience: #132
Continuity: #29
BYU is 5-4 in its last nine games.
Cougars are 12-1 in non-conference games.
BYU is shooting 58% inside the arc (#8)
Cougars are #24 team on defensive boards.
BYU is 5-4 in games decided by 8 or less points.
Cougars are 11-9 vs top 100 teams.
BYU’s schedule, to this point: #52
bench minutes: #117
BYU is in NCAA’s for 2nd time in eight years; their last NCAA win, 2011.
This year, A-15 teams are 3-2 SU/4-1 ATS vs Big X opponents.
Last eight years, underdogs are 18-14 ATS in #6-11 seed games.
Akron vs Creighton (-12.5) (@ Pittsburgh)
Akron (24-10) ranked #116 by KenPom
Tempo: #268
Experience: #22
Continuity: #70
Akron won MAC tourney (3-5 in last 8 regular season games)
Zips are 6-4 in D-I non-conference games.
Akron is shooting 54.8% inside arc (#31)
Zips are 1-4 against top 100 teams.
Akron is 10-7 in games decided by 7 or less points.
Akron’s schedule, to this point: #219
bench minutes: #167
Akron is in NCAA’s for 2nd time in three years.
Over last 25 years, Zips are 0-4 in NCAA games.
Last seven years, MAC teams are 3-4 SU/6-1 ATS in first round games.
Creighton (23-9) ranked #11 by KenPom
Tempo: #207
Experience: #8
Continuity: #40
Creighton won seven of its last nine games.
Bluejays are 9-2 in non-conference games.
Creighton has #3 eFG% in the country.
Bluejays beat MAC’s Central Michigan 109-64 in December.
Creighton forces fewest turnovers in the country.
Duquesne’s schedule, to this point: #23
bench minutes: #355
Under McDermott, Creighton is 6-2 SU/4-4 ATS in first round games..
Last four years, #3-seeds are 10-6 ATS vs #14-seeds.
This year, Big East teams are 4-0 SU/2-2 ATS vs MAC opponents.
Long Beach State vs Arizona (-19.5) (@ Salt Lake City)
Long Beach State (21-14) ranked #163 by KenPom
Tempo: #29
Experience: #68
Continuity: #7
Long Beach fired its coach March 11, after an 0-5 skid.
Long Beach then won Big West tourney, with same coach.
Long Beach is 6-4 in D-I non-conference games.
Long Beach is 2-3 against top 100 teams.
Long Beach won in OT USC of Pac-12 December 10.
Long Beach’s schedule, to this point: #182
bench minutes: #279
Long Beach is in NCAA’s for first time since 2012.
Last 8 years, Big West teams are 2-6 SU/5-3 ATS in first round games.
Arizona (25-8) ranked #6 by KenPom
Tempo: #16
Experience: #84
Continuity: #211
Arizona lost 2 of its last 3 games, after a 10-1 run.
Wildcats are 9-2 in non-league games.
Arizona has #26 eFG% in country.
Wildcats are a top 5 rebounding team in country.
Arizona is 9-2 against teams outside the top 100.
Arizona’s schedule, to this point: #26
bench minutes: #280
LY, Arizona got upset in first round, also as a #2-seed.
Last 7 first round games, Wildcats are 4-3 SU/0-6-1 ATS
TY, Pac-12 teams are 8-7 ATS vs Big West opponents.
Last seven years, #2-seeds are 15-12-1 ATS in first round.
Morehead State vs Illinois (-12.5) (@
Morehead State (26-8) ranked #111 by KenPom
Tempo: #335
Experience: #163
Continuity: #247
Morehead won its last six games.
Eagles are 5-4 in D-I non-conference games.
Eagles have #9 eFG% defense in country.
Eagles have #35 eFG% in country.
Morehead is 0-4 vs top 100 teams (3 losses by 23+).
Morehead is 1-2-1 ATS as an underdog.
San Diego State’s schedule, to this point: #319
bench minutes: #348
Last 18 years, OVC teams are 13-5-1 ATS in first round games.
Illinois (25-8) ranked #10 by KenPom
Tempo: #56
Experience: #10
Continuity: #140
Illinois won four in row, seven of last eight games.
Illini is 10-2 in non-league games.
Illinois beat two OVC teams TY, by 28-32 points.
Illini has #48 eFG%, #55 eFG% defense in country.
Illinois is 12-0 against teams outside the top 100.
Illinois’ schedule, to this point: #24
bench minutes: #240
Underwood is 4-3 SU/ATS in first round games.
Illinois is 7-3 SU/6-4 ATS in last ten first round games.
Last four years, #3-seeds are 10-6 ATS vs #14-seeds.
Big 14 teams are 6-0 SU/3-3 ATS vs OVC teams this season.
Oregon vs South Carolina (-1.5) (@ Pittsburgh)
Oregon (23-11) ranked #55 by KenPom
Tempo: #197
Experience: #169
Continuity: #258
Oregon won its last four games, giving up 64.5 ppg.
Ducks are 8-3 in non-league games.
Ducks won Pac-12 tourney, or else they wouldn’t be here.
Oregon lost to Alabama of SEC 88-81 in November.
Oregon is 3-7 against teams in the top 50.
Illinois’ schedule, to this point: #67
bench minutes: #138
Under Altman, Oregon is 7-0 in first round games.
South Carolina (26-7) ranked #49 by KenPom
Tempo: #354
Experience: #26
Continuity: #176
Carolina is 5-4 in last nine games, after a 21-3 start.
Carolina is 12-1 in non-conference games (NC schedule #337).
Opponents are shooting 46.8% inside arc (#44)
Gamecocks are #56 team on offensive boards.
Carolina is 11-7 against teams in the top 100.
Illinois’ schedule, to this point: #81
bench minutes: #112
This is South Carolina’s 2nd NCAA bid since 2004.
Gamecocks made Final Four as a #7-seed, in 2017.
SEC teams are 5-4 SU/4-5 ATS vs Pac-12 opponents this season.
Last eight years, underdogs are 18-14 ATS in #6-11 seed games.
Nevada (-1.5) vs Dayton (@ Salt Lake City)
Nevada (26-7) ranked #36 by KenPom
Tempo: #233
Experience: #7
Continuity: #41
Nevada won seven of its last eight games.
Wolf Pack is 12-1 in D-I non-league games.
Nevada has #56 eFG%, #62 eFG% defense.
Wolf Pack gets 23.8% of points on foul line (#11)
Nevada is 6-5 against teams in the top 50.
Nevada’s schedule, to this point: #89
bench minutes: #288
In his career, coach Alford is 7-5 in first round games.
Dayton (24-7) ranked #32 by KenPom
Tempo: #337
Experience: #73
Continuity: #189
Dayton split its last six games, after a 21-4 start.
Flyers were held under 75 points in their last five losses.
Dayton is 10-2 in non-conference games.
Flyers are shooting 40.2% on arc (#3)
Dayton is 9-7 against teams in the top 100.
Dayton’s schedule, to this point: #88
bench minutes: #345
Dayton is in NCAA’s for first time since 2017.
Coach Grant was 1-2 in first round games, at VCU/Alabama.
Atlantic 15/Mountain West split four games SU/ATS this year.
Night Games
Oakland vs Kentucky (-13.5) (@ Pittsburgh)
Oakland (23-11) ranked #137 by KenPom
Tempo: #232
Experience: #107
Continuity: #110
Oakland is 17-3 in its last 20 games, after a 6-8 start.
Grizzlies are 11-3 in games decided by 7 or less points, or in OT
Oakland is 9-3 ATS as an underdog this year.
Grizzlies have #93 eFG% in country.
Oakland is 0-4 against teams in top 50, losing by 6-11-17-24 points.
Oakland’s schedule, to this point: #198
bench minutes: #218
Oakland is in NCAA’s for first time since 2011.
Last 11 years, Horizon teams are 4-7 ATS in first round.
Kentucky (23-9) ranked #19 by KenPom
Tempo: #11
Experience: #197
Continuity: #317
Kentucky won seven of its last nine games.
Wildcats scored 85+ points in last six games.
Kentucky is shooting 41.2% on arc (#1)
Wildcats are 10-2 in non-conference games.
Kentucky is 13-1 against teams outside the top 100.
Kentucky’s schedule, to this point: #66
bench minutes: #87
Under Calipari, Kentucky is 10-1 SU/5-6 ATS in first round.
Coach Calipari was born/raised in Pittsburgh area.
Last four years, #3-seeds are 10-6 ATS vs #14-seeds.
McNeese State vs Gonzaga (-6.5) (@ Salt Lake City)
McNeese State (30-3) ranked #60 by KenPom
Tempo: #282
Experience: #103
Continuity: #324
McNeese won its last eleven games.
This is Cowboys’ first winning year since 2012.
McNeese is 7-2 in non-conference games.
Cowboys have wins at UAB, VCU, Michigan.
McNeese is 7-2 against teams in the top 200.
McNeese’s schedule, to this point: #336
bench minutes: #273
McNeese hasn’t been in NCAA’s since 2002.
Since 2014, Southland teams are 5-2 ATS in this round.
Gonzaga (30-8) ranked #15 by KenPom
Tempo: #83
Experience: #131
Continuity: #219
Gonzaga won nine of its last ten games.
Zags are 9-4 in D-I non-conference games.
Gonzaga is shooting 58.3% inside arc (#7)
Opponents are shooting 45.1% inside arc (#13)
Gonzaga is 9-6 against teams in the top 100.
Gonzaga’s schedule, to this point: #66
bench minutes: #87
Since 2003, Gonzaga is 18-2 SU/9-11 ATS in first round games.
Last time Zags lost a first round game: 2008, to Steph Curry/Davidson.
Last three years, favorites are 8-4 ATS in #5-12 seed first round games.
South Dakota State vs Iowa State (-16.5) (@ Omaha)
South Dakota State (22-12) ranked #134 by KenPom
Tempo: #148
Experience: #120
Continuity: #74
SD State won its last eight games, after a 14-12 start.
Jackrabbits are 5-2 ATS as an underdog this year.
SD State have #19 eFG% in country.
Jackrabbits are 4-8 in D-I non-conference games.
In November, Jackrabbits (+9) lost 91-68 at K-State of Big 12
SD State is 0-3 against teams in top 100, losing by 23-3-2 points.
SD State’s schedule, to this point: #235
bench minutes: #309
Last seven years, Summit teams are 4-2-1 ATS in first round games.
Iowa State (27-7) ranked #5 by KenPom
Tempo: #179
Experience: #123
Continuity: #200
Iowa State won 11 of its last 13 games.
Cyclones are 11-2 in non-conference games.
Cyclones are forcing turnovers 25.7% of time (#2)
Iowa State has #28 eFG% defense in country.
Iowa State is 11-0 against teams outside the top 100.
Iowa State’s schedule, to this point: #37
bench minutes: #232
Since 2012, Iowa State is 6-3 SU/ATS in first round games.
Otzelberger was South Dakota State’s coach from 2017-19.
Big X teams are 10-0 SU/4-6 ATS vs Summit teams this year.
Last seven years, #2-seeds are 15-12-1 ATS in first round.
Saint Peter’s vs Tennessee (-19.5) (@ Charlotte)
Saint Peter’s (19-13) ranked #187 by KenPom
Tempo: #338
Experience: #316
Continuity: #166
Saint Peter’s won eight of last ten games.
Peacocks are 4-5 in non-conference games.
Peacocks lost by 11-9, in their two games vs top 100 foes.
Saint Peter’s has #349 eFG% in country
Saint Peter’s has #22 eFG% defense in country
Saint Peter’s schedule, to this point: #290
bench minutes: #56
Last four years, MAAC teams are 3-1 ATS in first round games.
Peacocks made Elite 8 two years ago; coach/players are all gone.
Tennessee (24-8) ranked #7 by KenPom
Tempo: #79
Experience: #29
Continuity: #67
Tennessee lost its last two games, giving up 73-85 points.
Vols have #7 eFG% defense in country.
Vols are 10-3 in non-conference games.
Tennessee is 9-0 against teams outside the top 100.
Tennessee’s schedule, to this point: #8
bench minutes: #290
Coach Barnes is 8-18-1 ATS in first round NCAA games.
Coach Barnes grew up in Hickory, NC; 60 miles from Charlotte.
Last seven years, #2-seeds are 15-12-1 ATS in first round.
NC State vs Texas Tech (-5.5) (@ Pittsburgh)
NC State (22-14) ranked #58 by KenPom
Tempo: #137
Experience: #15
Continuity: #243
NC State won 5 games in 5 days LW, to win ACC title
Wolfpack went 4-10 in last 14 regular season games.
NC State is 10-6 in games decided by 7 or less points, or in OT
Wolfpack is 8-3 in non-conference games.
NC State is 4-8 against teams in the top 50.
NC State’s schedule, to this point: #58
bench minutes: #265
Under Keatts, NC State is 0-2 in NCAA Tourney games.
Wolfpack hasn’t won an NCAA Tourney game since 2015.
Texas Tech (23-10) ranked #24 by KenPom
Tempo: #234
Experience: #88
Continuity: #286
Tech won four of its last five games.
Red Raiders are shooting 36.5% on arc (#38).
Red Raiders are 11-2 in non-conference games (NC sked #262).
Tech is 9-10 against teams in the top 100.
Texas Tech’s schedule, to this point: #31
bench minutes: #294
Texas Tech won its last four first round games.
ACC teams are 9-3 SU/ATS vs Big X teams this season.
Last eight years, underdogs are 18-14 ATS in #6-11 seed games.
Samford vs Kansas (-7.5) (@ Salt Lake City)
Samford (29-5) ranked #81 by KenPom
Tempo: #14
Experience: #104
Continuity: #168
Samford won six of its last seven games.
Bulldogs have #7 eFG% in country.
Samford is 11-2 in non-conference games (NC sked #330).
Bulldogs lost by 53 at Purdue, 10 at VCU.
Samford is forcing turnovers 21.8% of time (#16)
Samford’s schedule, to this point: #247
bench minutes: #3
Samford is in NCAA’s for first time since 2000.
Last five years, SoCon teams are 4-1 ATS in first round games.
Kansas (22-10) ranked #22 by KenPom
Tempo: #92
Experience: #21
Continuity: #134
Kansas lost four of its last five games.
Jayhawks’ two best players sat out Big X Tournament.
Kansas star McKullar is out for this game.
Jayhawks are 12-1 in non-conference games (NC sked #64).
Kansas is 13-9 against teams in the top 100.
Kansas’ schedule, to this point: #5
bench minutes: #318
Kansas won its last 16 first round games.
This is lowest seed they’ve been since 2019.
Last five years, #4-seeds are 6-14 ATS in first round.
14 of the last 15 years, a #4-seed lost in the first round.
Drake vs Washington State (-1.5) (@ Omaha)
Drake (28-6) ranked #51 by KenPom
Tempo: #150
Experience: #142
Continuity: #148
Drake won five in row, 10 of last 11 games.
Bulldogs are 9-2 in non-conference games (NC sked #243).
Drake is #1 team in country on defensive boards.
Bulldogs are 6-1 against teams in the top 100.
Drake’s schedule, to this point: #120
bench minutes: #247
Last four years, MVC teams are 1-4 SU/2-3 ATS in first round games.
Drake is in NCAA’s for 3rd time in four years (0-2 other two games)
Washington State (24-9) ranked #42 by KenPom
Tempo: #316
Experience: #295
Continuity: #307
Wazzu split its last six games, after a 21-6 start.
Coogs have #35 eFG% defense in country.
Coogs are 9-2 in non-conference games (NC sked #317).
Wazzu is shooting 52.6% inside arc (#87)
Wazzu is 9-6 against teams in the top 100.
Wazzu’s schedule, to this point: #31
bench minutes: #294
Wazzu is in NCAA’s for first time since 2008 (Tony Bennett was coach)