The second day of the first round of March Madness is here, and the excitement is palpable as teams battle it out for a spot in the next round. Day 1 we were able to hit some good upsets, we hit #13 Furnam at +215,
Now lets get too Day 2
No. 12 VCU (+160) over No. 5 St. Mary’s
First, we have number 12 VCU over number 5 Saint-Mary at +160. Sports bettors should be wary of the A-10 tournament champions VCU and their dynamic duo of Adrian Baldwin Jr. and Brandon Johns. As one of the usual 12 over-five upset picks, they hold opponents to an average of only 62 points per game with suffocating defense. In contrast, St. Mary’s averages 71 points per game while allowing only 60 points per game on average. This highly anticipated matchup could come down to the wire, as it is almost certain to be a defensive battle between two formidable teams.
Upset Pick: (#12) VCU +160
NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
No. 13 Kent State (+165) over No. 4 Indiana
Next, we got No. 13 Kent State over No. 4 Indiana at +165. Indiana is the favorite, but the public is putting some money into the underdog here. Kent State defeated top-seeded Toledo in the MAC tournament to reach the Big dance. Once again, Kent State has the veteran guard in play in Sincere Carry, who averages 17 points and 4.8 assists per game.
He could have the advantage over Indiana point guard Jalen Hood-Schifino who was the Big Ten Freshman of the year but is playing in his first tournament game. The one advantage Indiana has is their star Trayce Jackson-Davis, who averages 20 points and 10 boards per contest.
Upset Pick: (#13) Kent State +165
NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
No. 11 Providence (+160) over No. 6 Kentucky
Next on the list, No. 11 Providence over No. 6 Kentucky at again +160. This year’s 11 and 6 matchup could be one of the tournament’s biggest upsets, especially with No. 11 Providence just four-point underdogs against No. 6 Kentucky in the first round. Last year, three 11-seeds made it through to the Sweet 16, including two that won their first-round games. With the shape of this year’s bracket, an 11-seed could make some serious noise if they manage to slip past the Wildcats and into second weekend play.
Upset Pick: (#11) Providence +160
NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
No. 14 Montana State (+300) over No. 4 Kansas State
Finally we have No.14 Montana State over No.3 Kansas State at +300. Looking for a real longshot? Here its is. Just one 14-seed has made it out of the first round, but Las Vegas gives No. 14 Montana State the best chance against No. 3 Kansas State with an 8.5 point spread – significantly lower than 11, 11.5, and 16-point spreads for the other 3-14 matchups! If you’re feeling lucky, maybe give Montana State a shot – who knows what could happen during March Madness?
Upset Pick: (#13) Montana State +300
NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
