5 best bets for the Round of 32
Finding edges this time of year is tough, though we still hit three of our five recommended bets for the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
With the Round of 32 set for this weekend, here's where our focus lies.
Wofford vs. Kentucky Under 138.5
Wofford's offense didn't disappoint in the first round while lighting up Seton Hall to the tune of 84 points in the win. With Fletcher Magee anchoring the Terriers, the team is extremely sound and doesn't need much space for its shooting. Magee broke the Division I record for career three-pointers on Thursday.
Unlike typical run-and-gun small schools, the Terriers don't like getting into track meets. Wofford relies more on efficiency than volume, ranking No. 270 in the nation in adjusted tempo (Kentucky is just ahead at No. 264).
We envision a slower-paced game, and the Wildcats forcing the Terriers to beat them inside.
Villanova vs. Purdue Under 137
This game between the Villanova Wildcats and Purdue Boilermakers should also be stagnant and played in the half courts. Both teams rank outside the top 270 in adjusted tempo this season. This one feels a couple points too high.
Iowa vs. Tennessee Over 156.5
We mentioned Iowa's three-point shooting as an advantage against Cincinnati in the opening round. The Hawkeyes wound up shooting 50 percent from deep en route to winning 79-72 as underdogs.
Iowa is posting the No. 14 adjusted offense, according to KenPom, and Tennessee is even better at No. 9. Offensive playmakers are all over the floor for the Volunteers, though they can be exploited around the perimeter on the other end. It's a perfect storm for a good over bet, even with the number this high.
Oklahoma vs. Virginia Under 128
Oklahoma has undergone an identity change this season. For years, the Sooners were an offense-first team under head coach Lon Kruger. Now the current squad has performed better defensively, with the Sooners heading into Sunday No. 22 in adjusted defensive efficiency and No. 47 in adjusted offensive efficiency.
We watched Gardner-Webb race out to 36 first-half points against Virginia, but then quickly remembered how well the Cavaliers can clamp down on an opponent, as they held the Runnin' Bulldogs to 20 points in the second half. An ugly game is coming on Sunday.
Murray State vs. Florida State Under 144
Ja Morant's triple-double during an opening-round win over Marquette overshadowed how well Murray State is playing defensively. The Racers rank No. 63 in adjusted defensive efficiency, and they now play a Florida State team that ranks No. 11, largely due to an abundance of length.
This looks like a fun game on paper, but we're thinking the opposite. Take the under.
Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.