We have a great show for you today! Kiev O’Neil recaps the sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. We also give out an early Best Bet for the final 4! Should you have any questions for the podcast, or games that you want us to cap during our shows, please message us at Info@TheOddsBreakers.com. Have a wonderful week!
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Purdue and Arizona meet in San Jose with a Final Four berth on the line. Both teams have spent time ranked No. 1 this season, and both enter with elite résumés and contrasting styles that make this one of the most compelling matchups of the tournament.
Game Details
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 8:49 p.m. ET
Location: SAP Center, San Jose
TV: TBS / truTV / HBO Max
🐺 Arizona: Youth, Pace, and Relentless Pressure
Arizona has been rolling through the tournament, averaging huge scoring outputs and overwhelming teams with size and athleticism.
Key Arizona Traits
Elite offense: 86.7 points per game, shooting over 50% from the field.
Dominant inside play: They attack the paint relentlessly and rarely rely on threes.
Rebounding edge: 39.9 boards per game, led by Tobe Awaka’s 9.2 per night.
Momentum: Coming off a 109–88 dismantling of Arkansas with six players scoring in double figures — an NCAA Tournament record.
Players to Watch
Brayden Burries: 18.8 PPG over his last 10.
Jaden Bradley: Steady two-way guard play (13.3 PPG, 4.4 APG).
🚂 Purdue: Experience, Shooting, and Half-Court Execution
Purdue arrives after surviving a thriller vs. Texas, winning 79–77 on a Trey Kaufman-Renn tip-in with under a second left.
Key Purdue Traits
Veteran core: Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Kaufman-Renn all played in the 2024 title game.
Elite shooting: Over 50% from the field and top-tier efficiency from three.
Methodical pace: Purdue prefers to slow the game down and force teams into half-court battles.
Defensive discipline: They’ll try to clog the paint and push Arizona into mid-range or perimeter shots.
Players to Watch
Braden Smith: 14.3 PPG, 8.9 APG — the engine of the offense.
Trey Kaufman-Renn: 17.2 PPG over his last 10.
⚔️ Styles Make Fights: What Decides This Game
1. Pace Control
Arizona thrives in transition and high-possession games. Purdue wants the opposite — a slower, more physical, half-court grind. Whoever dictates tempo gains a massive edge.
2. Paint vs. Perimeter
Arizona: Lives at the rim, rarely bombs from deep.
Purdue: Over 40% of their shots come from three, and they hit them at a high rate. This contrast is the heart of the matchup.
3. Experience vs. Youth
Purdue’s senior-heavy lineup has been here before. Arizona starts three freshmen — incredibly talented, but untested in a game of this magnitude.
Prediction:
I know that Purdue has done well to get this far, but I can certainly argue that Purdue had the easiest road to the elite 8 getting Queens, Miami and Texas. I honestly think that any top 30 team would be here with that schedule.
Arizona is going to have matchup advantages inside with four big men at 6’8 and taller. Purdue rotates two big men which will give Arizona some open passing lanes for some easy dunks.
Arizona will have a big three point shooting advantage that you see below on Haslametrics ranking 13th in adjusted three point percentage to Purdue ranking 138th in defending it.
Arizona has seen this kind of offense before as Matt Painter runs a motion offense similar to teams like Baylor, Iowa State, and Texas Tech.
If Purdue plays a great game, maybe they can be in this one, but they only ranks 257th in consistency while Arizona ranks 8th. I will bet on the teams that I can trust here.
Tonight’s NHL slate may only feature two games, but there is still plenty of value to be found. Whether you’re an experienced bettor or just getting started, there are opportunities across moneylines, puck lines, and player props. With teams battling for playoff positioning down the stretch, let’s break down the key matchups and highlight some of the best bets for Friday night’s action.
Detroit Red Wings @ Buffalo Sabres
Ben Chiarot 2+ Blocked Shots (-145) – DraftKings
The Red Wings find themselves in a desperate spot after spending much of the season in a playoff position. With just 11 games remaining, they are now on the outside looking in, going 6-9-3 since January 27 and 2-4-1 since March 10.
This matchup against a division rival carries massive weight. A regulation loss would drop Detroit’s playoff odds to around 27%, making this game feel like a must win. Expect a heightened level of urgency and physicality from this group.
Ben Chiarot, a veteran leader on the blue line, understands the stakes. Detroit has not made the postseason since the 2015-16 season, and Chiarot has yet to experience playoff hockey with the team since joining in 2022.
Chiarot has recorded two or more blocked shots in six of his last seven games. He has also been more reliable on the road this season, hitting this mark in 71.4% of away games compared to 55.6% at home.
While blocked shots are often targeted more heavily in the postseason, the urgency of Detroit’s situation makes this feel like a playoff style game, setting up well for Chiarot to be active in the defensive zone once again.
Chicago Blackhawks @ New York Rangers
Anton Frondell 1+ Point (-110) – DraftKings
Anton Frondell, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has made an immediate impact in his first two games with the Blackhawks. He is skating on the top line alongside Connor Bedard and Ryan Greene while also seeing time on the first power play unit.
Frondell has recorded a point in each of his first two games, picking up back-to-back assists. While Chicago has struggled to generate offense for much of the season, this matchup sets up well. The Rangers have been struggling defensively as of late, which could open the door for Frondell to stay hot and extend his point streak.
I’ve been using Linemate since the start, and it has proven to be an invaluable resource for NHL betting. One of its standout features is the comprehensive data and analytics that help bettors make informed decisions when placing prop bets. The platform also boasts a user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both experienced bettors and newcomers alike, allowing them to easily navigate and find the best prop bets. By utilizing Linemate’s robust tools and resources, NHL prop betters can significantly enhance their chances of making profitable wagers throughout the season. Beyond NHL betting, Linemate also provides in-depth data on various other sports, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAAF, EPL, and many more leagues and sports.
Best of luck, and as always, you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback, whether positive or negative, is always encouraged.
This matchup has all the ingredients of a heavyweight Sweet 16 fight: a No. 1 overall seed with the best defense in the country, a surging Big East champion that’s won 21 of its last 22, and two superstar big men who anchor everything their teams do.
🧱 Identity Check: How These Teams Win
Duke (34–2)
Elite defense: No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency.
Momentum: 13 straight wins, including an 81–58 dismantling of TCU.
Star power: Cameron Boozer is playing like the best player in the tournament.
Injury watch: PG Caleb Foster (foot) is still sidelined; C Patrick Ngongba III recently returned.
St. John’s (30–6)
Relentless pressure: Full‑court defense, turnover creation, and physicality.
Momentum: First Sweet 16 since 1999 after a dramatic 67–65 win over Kansas.
Star power: Zuby Ejiofor, Big East Player of the Year, is the emotional and tactical engine.
Confidence: Winners of 21 of their last 22.
📊 Matchup Data That Actually Matters
Recent Tournament Results
Duke:
Beat Siena 71–65
Beat TCU 81–58
St. John’s:
Beat UNI 79–53
Beat Kansas 67–65
Key Statistical Edges
Free Throws
Duke: 20-of-23 vs. TCU
St. John’s: 6-of-11 vs. Kansas Free‑throw reliability leans heavily toward Duke.
Shooting Trends
Neither team is shooting well in the tournament:
Duke’s Isaiah Evans: 6–14 FG, 2–8 3PT in both games
St. John’s Ian Jackson: 7–17 FG, 3–9 3PT One of these wings likely swings the game.
Projected Scoring (Model Data)
Boozer projected: 23.1 points
Ejiofor projected: 15.3 points
Total projected: 148 points(model leans Over)
🧩 Tactical Matchups
1. The Paint Battle: Boozer vs. Ejiofor
Both teams “own the paint practically every night,” but Duke is bigger with Ngongba back. St. John’s is more physical, but Duke’s size and discipline give them a slight edge.
2. Pressure vs. Ball‑Handling
St. John’s will press for 40 minutes. Duke is without Caleb Foster, making this the most dangerous part of the matchup for the Blue Devils.
3. Rebounding & Second Chances
Duke limits offensive rebounds and free throws better than almost anyone — two areas St. John’s relies on heavily.
4. Three‑Point Variance
St. John’s has suddenly hit double‑digit threes in both tournament games after not doing so since January. Duke’s perimeter defense is elite, so this is unlikely to continue.
Prediction:
This is a very interesting game as St John’s needed every bit of stamina to come out of that horrible finish to their last game against Kansas.
Duke has been injured this post season, but it is looking like they might finally get healthy with Caleb Foster potentially coming back for Friday, while they got another inside beast back last weekend in Patrick Ngongba.
If there was anywhere that Duke isn’t completely sharp, it’s their three point shooting which ranks 142nd in the nation. Everywhere else, this team is solid to great.
The Johnnies have a problem shooting the ball themselves as we all saw against Kansas. They won that game with pure defense, and I have to wonder if their 157th effective FG% is good enough to beat a team that can also rebound as well as Duke can. I do not think that the Johnnies have it as easy down low to clean up boards against the number 9 defensive rebounding team in the nation.
I will say that St Johns steps up to their competition as we saw twice against UCONN, and this team has only lost once since January 4th.
I think that Saint John’s keeps it strong the first half, but it’s hard to trust them at the end of the game against Duke.
St John’s 1st half +3.5
Alabama vs Michigan -9.5 O/U 174.5
🔥 Alabama vs. Michigan — Sweet 16 Preview
Friday, March 27 — 7:35 p.m. ET | United Center, ChicagoTV: TBS / truTV
This one has all the ingredients of a classic: Michigan, the most consistent team in the region, against an Alabama squad that just played its best game of the season and has the firepower to beat anyone when the threes are falling.
🧭 The Big Picture
Michigan (33–3)
No. 1 seed, dominant at both ends.
Top‑10 nationally in offensive and defensive efficiency.
Scored 196 points across their first two tournament games.
Elite ball movement: 18.8 assists per game (4th nationally).
Alabama (25–9)
No. 4 seed, explosive and unpredictable.
Scored 180 points in their first two tournament games.
Ranks 4th nationally in pace and takes more threes than anyone (~36 per game).
Coming off a 19‑made‑threes performance vs. Texas Tech.
📊 Matchup Data That Matters
Recent Tournament Results
Michigan:
Howard 101–80
Saint Louis 95–72 (shot 56% FG, 48% from three)
Alabama:
Hofstra 90–70
Texas Tech 90–65 (19-of-42 from three; held Tech to 4-of-25 from deep)
Scoring & Efficiency
Alabama averages 91.6 points per game, 22 more than Michigan typically allows.
Michigan’s defense is elite at the rim — a problem for an Alabama team that ranks 318th in shots at the rim and relies heavily on perimeter volume.
Key Players
Michigan
Yaxel Lendeborg: 14.7 PPG, 6.9 RPG.
Elliot Cadeau: 5.7 APG, the engine of their half‑court execution.
Alabama
Labaron Philon: 21.6 PPG, 5.0 APG — must be elite for Bama to hang.
Latrell Wrightsell Jr.: 14.5 PPG over last 10.
🧩 Tactical Breakdown
1. Pace vs. Control
Alabama wants a track meet. Michigan wants a chess match. If the game hits 80+ possessions, Alabama’s live. If it slows down, Michigan’s discipline wins.
2. Three‑Point Math
Alabama’s path is simple:
Take 35–40 threes
Hit 14–18 of them
Stretch Michigan’s defense
Michigan is good at running teams off the line — but Alabama’s volume is extreme.
3. Interior Advantage
Michigan’s size and efficiency inside are a major edge. Alabama doesn’t post up and rarely scores at the rim, making them vulnerable if the threes cool off.
4. Injuries
Alabama: Still without suspended guard Aden Holloway.
Michigan: Still without L.J. Cason (knee).
Both absences matter for depth and ball‑handling.
Prediction:
What a wonderful matchup here as Michigan easily takes care of business in covering both of their games, while Alabama did the exact same without one of their stars in Aden Holloway.
These big schools feel like a huge football game.
I am not going to lie here. I am very confused in Alabama’s performances while short handed. This team was unconscious from three point land, and I have never seen them turn the ball over so little, and play defense so well. I am actually comfortable in saying that if Alabama played any other team the way that they played Texas Tech, they probably win. This is counting the likes of Michigan, Duke and Arizona. There has not been a total performance as good as Alabama’s this tournament.
Then what is the problem here? Well, I do not think that Alabama is quite as deep now that Holloway is gone. Can Latrell Wrightsell come anywhere close to matching his 24 points?
None the less, Alabama has been this far twice in the past few years, and they will want to leave a mark.
I expect Alabama to play that relentless defense again, and continue to not turn the ball over ranking 10th in that category in the nation.
The only problem with Michigan minus losing LJ Cason this year is that they can get sloppy themselves and play into Alabama’s hands. We all saw the dangers of facing a team like Wisconsin who shoots the three ball using the run and gun. Alabama is that same type of profile who doesn’t turn over the ball.
With the lack of turnovers, I think that Michigan will want to keep this game in the half court. This opens up longer scoring draughts.
I think that there won’t be quite as many points as people think this game. I can see many ways that this game goes under…
Smart, efficient offense; strong ball movement (19.9 assists per game).
Excellent shooting: 50% FG, 37.9% from three.
Backcourt led by Braden Smith (14.3 PPG, 9 APG) and Fletcher Loyer.
Recent form: 7–3 in last 10, averaging 80.2 PPG.
Weaknesses:
Not as dominant on the boards as in the Zach Edey era.
Vulnerable to athletic, attacking teams.
Key storyline: Facing former teammate Camden Heide, now a Texas starter.
Texas Longhorns (#11 seed, 21–14)
Strengths:
Athletic, aggressive, and elite at getting to the free‑throw line.
Balanced scoring: 82.9 PPG, with four players averaging 13+ PPG.
Matas Vokietaitis (7’0″) emerging as a force inside (40 points, 25 rebounds over last two games).
Tenacious offensive rebounding and physicality.
Weaknesses:
Defensive inconsistency (allowing 76.1 PPG).
Streaky shooting; relies heavily on rim pressure.
Cinderella factor: Entered via First Four and knocked off BYU and Gonzaga.
🔑 Key Matchups to Watch
1. Braden Smith (Purdue) vs. Dailyn Swain (Texas)
Smith’s playmaking vs. Swain’s athleticism and defensive pressure.
Texas needs Swain to disrupt Purdue’s rhythm; Purdue needs Smith to avoid turnovers (8 vs. Miami).
2. Trey Kaufman‑Renn (Purdue) vs. Matas Vokietaitis (Texas)
Purdue’s versatile forward vs. Texas’ bruising 7‑footer.
Whoever controls the paint and defensive boards gains a major edge.
3. Camden Heide vs. His Former Team
Heide’s familiarity with Purdue’s system adds intrigue.
Elite 46% three‑point shooter—could swing momentum if he gets hot.
📊 Statistical Snapshot
Category
Texas
Purdue
Points per game
82.9
82.2
Points allowed
76.1
70.1
FG%
48.6%
49.9%
3FG%
35.3%
37.9%
Rebounds
37.7
35.3
Turnovers
11.0
8.9
🧠 What Each Team Must Do to Win
Texas Path to Victory
Attack relentlessly to draw fouls—Texas ranks among the best in FTA and FTM.
Use size to control the boards and limit Purdue’s second‑chance threes.
Force Purdue into isolation by disrupting their passing lanes.
Purdue Path to Victory
Control tempo through Smith; avoid live‑ball turnovers.
Hit threes—Purdue averages 9.4 made threes per game, a major advantage.
Keep Texas off the free‑throw line and win defensive rebounding battles.
Prediction:
This is an interesting game as Texas all of a sudden went from looking like a team not deserving to make the tournament to playing out of their minds beating good BYU and Gonzaga teams.
Texas really stepped up their defense, but can they continue this madness when they only ranked 81st in defensive efficiency? Likely not.
Neither of these teams are consistent and it’s hard to have a great stance on what to expect, but this number is getting a bit low for 11 vs 2 seed standards.
Purdue last game lost starting guard CJ Cox to an injury, but he then said that he “could” have continued on if needed.
The number is short on this. Kenpom has this an 8 point spread, and Bart Torvik has 9.7. I will lay the points.
Purdue -7 – 2.5 stars
Kiev O'Neil
The OddsBreakers •
Pick
Odds
HomePointSpread -7.5
Spread
NCAAB • Texas Longhorns @ Purdue Boilermakers
-105 on FanDuel
CLOSED • 03/26/2026
Betslip #1774538174587-a0f4-565
Iowa vs Nebraska -1.5 O/U 131.5
🏀 Game Overview
Matchup: No. 4 Nebraska (28–6) vs. No. 9 Iowa (23–12)
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
Location: Toyota Center, Houston
TV: TBS / truTV
🔍 How They Got Here
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Program’s first-ever Sweet 16 appearance, after finally earning their first NCAA Tournament wins.
Survived Vanderbilt 74–72 thanks to Braden Frager’s go‑ahead basket with 2.2 seconds left.
Shooting the ball extremely well: 56% FG and 47% from three in the last game.
Led by Pryce Sandfort (17.9 PPG), who’s averaging 19.0 PPG in the tournament on 55% shooting.
Iowa Hawkeyes
Reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
Shocked defending national champion Florida 73–72 on a clutch Alvaro Folgueiras three with 4.5 seconds left.
Offense is efficient and balanced; Iowa ranks 15th nationally in effective FG%.
Key scorer: Bennett Stirtz, projected near 20 points in this matchup.
🔥 Season Series Recap
Split 1–1 during the regular season.
Iowa won 57–52 in Iowa City (Feb. 17).
Nebraska won 84–75 (OT) in Lincoln (Mar. 8).
Both games were physical, defensive, and tightly contested—expect more of the same.
🧠 Key Matchups & Storylines
1. Pryce Sandfort vs. His Former Team
Sandfort began his career at Iowa and now leads Nebraska’s offense.
His shooting could swing the game.
2. Iowa’s Perimeter Defense vs. Nebraska’s Elite Shooting
Nebraska is among the nation’s best in effective FG%.
Iowa’s defense has improved dramatically during the tournament.
3. Clutch Guards on Both Sides
Iowa: Folgueiras, Banks, and Stirtz have delivered late‑game heroics.
Nebraska: Frager’s emergence as a fearless finisher adds another dimension.
📊 Betting & Analytics Snapshot
Category
Iowa
Nebraska
Record
23–12
28–6
Spread
+1.5
-1.5
O/U
132.5
132.5
Neutral‑site record
6–1
5–1
Prediction:
Nebraska favored by 1.5, but Iowa’s momentum makes this extremely tight.
This is certainly an interesting bracket matchup between two teams that recently played each other twice. Both of these teams split.
Both teams have near proximity matchup advantages, yet Nebraska will have some advantages from beyond the arc against a poor 3 point defense in Iowa that ranks 251st on Kenpom. You can see here on Haslmetrics where
In the Hawkeye’s game vs Florida, you could tell that the better team was losing. If there was five more minutes, I think that the Gators would have pulled through.
When Nebraska played Vanderbilt, it as easy to see which team was actually better.
I think Nebraska should win, but I would caution laying lots of points here.
We have a HUGE show for you today! Marco D’Angelo @MarcoInVegas from @Wagertalk is back to break down a huge weekend of games! First, Kiev talks about his sweet 16 survivor reboot! Next, Marco comes on and talks about a horse as well as Cinderella. Next, the guys talk about some NCAA tournament surprises. Then, the boys get into every game of the sweet 16 with a lean or a play. After that, Marco and Kiev give us their updated final 4! Finally, the guys give out a beer bet banger long shot that could be fun for the weekend! Should you have any questions for the podcast, or games that you want us to cap during our shows, please message us at Info@TheOddsBreakers.com. Have a wonderful week!
Use Promo Code Basketball26 TO GET $100 OFF EVERY BASKETBALL OR YEARLY PACKAGE or 50% OFF THE FIRST MONTH OF ANY MONTHLY PACKAGE for the rest of the 2026 season! Click here: https://theoddsbreakers.com/premium-plays/Offer expires December 31st 2026
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We have a great show for you today! Kiev O’Neil @OBKiev goes solo to talk about the NCAA tournament and the sweet 16! First, Kiev talks about the favorites hitting and the reasons for that happening. Next, Kiev talks the first four games of the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 with some best bets! Should you have any questions for the podcast, or games that you want us to cap during our shows, please message us at Info@TheOddsBreakers.com. Have a wonderful week!
Use Promo Code Basketball26 TO GET $100 OFF EVERY BASKETBALL OR YEARLY PACKAGE or 50% OFF THE FIRST MONTH OF ANY MONTHLY PACKAGE for the rest of the 2026 season! Click here: https://theoddsbreakers.com/premium-plays/Offer expires December 31st 2026
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You could also support us at Patreon.com for only $10 a month to help out and thank us for some free plays as well as get some extra benefits like free merch and plays!
We have a great show for you today! Kiev O’Neil recaps the first weekend and first two rounds of the NCAA tournament. We also give out an early Best Bet for the sweet 16! Should you have any questions for the podcast, or games that you want us to cap during our shows, please message us at Info@TheOddsBreakers.com. Have a wonderful week!
Use Promo Code Basketball26 TO GET $100 OFF EVERY BASKETBALL OR YEARLY PACKAGE or 50% OFF THE FIRST MONTH OF ANY MONTHLY PACKAGE for the rest of the 2026 season! Click here: https://theoddsbreakers.com/premium-plays/Offer expires December 31st 2026
If you want to subscribe to support us and get some very frequent winners please Click Here to become a member of The OddsBreakers and gain access to premium plays BEFORE the line moves! Or, you can visit theoddsbreakers.com and click shop and pick one of our great handicappers including Kiev O’Neil @OBKiev at only $84 per month on a 1 year subscription!
You could also support us at Patreon.com for only $10 a month to help out and thank us for some free plays as well as get some extra benefits like free merch and plays!
Did your survivor get busted? We got you covered for a second chance at cashing! Ultimate NCAA TOURNAMENT Sweet 16 survivor reboot is back & brought to you by The OddsBreakers! Contest revivals are activated: If all entrants in a Survivor contest are eliminated in the same week, rather than ending the contest with no winner, the contest is revived.
Entrants attempt to select the winner Straight Up for 1 game per day. Entrants that select only winners Straight Up will advance to the next slate. The entrant that makes it the furthest takes home the whole prize. If all remaining entrants are eliminated in the same slate, or multiple entrants survive the final slate, the winner(s) will be determined based on tiebreaker rules.
Check the individual day tabs in your picksheet to view the pick deadline for each day. The deadline appears at the top as “Picks lock” with the date and time.
Round of 32 – NCAA TournamentDate: Sunday, March 22 Time: 5:15 PM ET Location: Viejas Arena, San Diego TV: CBS
📈 Team Momentum & Recent Form
St. John’s Red Storm (29–6)
20–1 in their last 21 games, including a dominant Big East Tournament run.
Blew out Northern Iowa 79–53 in Round 1.
Elite at rebounding, interior scoring, and defensive pressure.
Rick Pitino has them playing fast, physical, and confident.
Kansas Jayhawks (24–10)
Survived Cal Baptist 68–60 in Round 1.
Inconsistent season overall, but the talent ceiling is extremely high.
Darryn Peterson (potential No. 1 NBA pick) is heating up at the perfect time—28 points in Round 1.
🧩 Key Matchups & Storylines
⭐ Darryn Peterson vs. St. John’s Defense
Peterson is the best player on the floor—explosive, dynamic, and capable of taking over. St. John’s will try to disrupt him with length and physicality, but few teams have succeeded when he’s locked in.
🏀 Rebounding Battle
St. John’s is elite on the boards, but Kansas counters with size:
Flory Bidunga
Bryson Tiller
Paul Mbiya All 6’10″+. This matchup could decide the game.
🎯 Three‑Point Shooting & Free Throws
Kansas shoots the 3 better and is 35th nationally in FT%, a major edge in a physical game. St. John’s perimeter shooting is streaky.
📊 Betting & Odds Snapshot
Spread: St. John’s -2.5
Moneyline: Kansas +140 / St. John’s -166
Total: 142.5
Experts are split:
Some models lean St. John’s by a bucket.
Others see Kansas’ talent and shooting as the difference.
Prediction:
This one is a kind of a no brainer to me. Both of these teams hit cold streaks quite often on offense. Saint John’s only ranks 189th in effective FG%. Kansas is right there ranking 182nd in effective FG%
Kansas also struggles rebounding the ball only ranking 225th in offensive rebound percentage.
What both teams do well is defend. Kansas ranks 9th in defensive efficiency while the Johnnies rank 10th.
Kansas is 11-23 to the under at 67.7% while Saint John’s is 12-22 which is 64.7%. Take the under.
Under 144.5 – 2.5 stars
Kiev O'Neil
The OddsBreakers •
Pick
Odds
Under +144.5
Over/Under
NCAAB • St. John's Red Storm @ Kansas Jayhawks
-110 on BetMGM
CLOSED • 03/22/2026
Betslip #1774191405115-a0f4-183
Utah State vs Arizona -11.5 O/U 153.5
🔥 Utah State vs. Arizona — Game Preview
Date: Sunday, March 22 Time: 7:50 PM ET Location: Viejas Arena, San Diego TV: truTV
📈 Team Profiles
🐺 Arizona Wildcats (33–2, No. 1 Seed)
Absolutely rolled LIU 92–58 in Round 1.
One of the best teams in the country:
No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency and Top‑5 in offense.
86.3 PPG, shooting 50.3% from the field.
Elite size and rebounding:
Outrebounded LIU 52–31.
Frontcourt features Koa Peat, Toby Awaka, Ivan Kharchenkov, and Motiejus Krivas—all strong rebounders.
10–0 in their last 10 games, winning by an average of 13+ points.
🔵 Utah State Aggies (29–6, No. 9 Seed)
Beat Villanova 86–76 behind physical defense and efficient scoring.
One of the most efficient offenses in the country:
82+ PPG, 14th nationally in FG%.
Guards MJ Collins Jr. and Mason Falslev combine for nearly 34 PPG.
Strong defensive metrics: opponents shoot just 42% from the field.
7–3 in their last 10, averaging 77.5 PPG.
🧩 Key Matchups & Storylines
⭐ Arizona’s Size vs. Utah State’s Efficiency
Utah State is efficient, but Arizona’s frontcourt is overwhelming. The Aggies’ top rebounder is a 6’3″ guard, which could be a major problem against Arizona’s elite bigs.
🎯 Three‑Point Battle
Utah State hits 8.4 threes per game, slightly above what Arizona typically allows.
Arizona doesn’t rely on threes—its attack is built on pace, transition, and interior scoring.
🏀 Tempo & Turnovers
Arizona wants to run, but Utah State’s system is built on discipline and ball movement. Tommy Lloyd emphasized rebounding and ball security as keys to pushing pace.
📊 Betting Snapshot
Spread: Arizona -11.5
Total: 154.5
Moneyline: Utah State +550 / Arizona -800
Arizona has covered big numbers all season, but Utah State’s offense gives them upset‑spoiler potential.
Prediction:
It was fun to see the Aggies take out Villanova in the first round, but let’s be real, the Cats shot only three pointers the whole game and did not really attempt to go inside.
This different Wildcat team is the must complete team in college basketball with an offense ranking 4th in efficiency and a defense ranking 3rd. Arizona will be able to score from anywhere on the court against Utah State.
The Aggies are not used to playing an offense of this caliber being stuck in the Mountain West. When they stepped up against South Florida in the non-conference, they were beat 74-61. VCU and Villanova was their best competition with neither of those teams ranked in the top 30 in Kenpom.
