Mar 24, 2025, 12:11 PM ET
The Candy 16 is ready within the males’s NCAA event and whilst there aren’t any true Cinderellas left, there are many compelling matchups.
So which video games stand out and be offering the most efficient values to wager? Joe Fortenbaugh, Tyler Fulghum, Mackenzie Kraemer and Greg Peterson check out the early odds and spotlight the bets that stand out prior to the traces transfer later within the week.
Odds are correct as of newsletter time. For the newest odds, move to ESPN BET.
Houston Cougars (-7.5) vs Purdue Boilermakers
Whilst Houston has the most efficient protection within the nation, their offense is what will have to make the variation towards Purdue. The Boilermakers have ranked outdoor the highest 100 in defensive potency because the get started of February, however neither Top Level nor McNeese may just take benefit. Houston’s offense will have to have the ability to rating at will after averaging 1.25 issues in keeping with ownership towards Gonzaga. At the different aspect, Purdue had 19 turnovers towards McNeese. Houston will have to reason an identical problems with their ball force. — Kraemer
Event Problem 2nd Probability
Create as much as 25 new males’s brackets starting on the Candy 16 and compete for $50K in overall prizes! Event Problem 2nd Probability
Houston/Purdue first part underneath 62.5
This matchup options two offenses that perform at a glacial tempo, with Purdue score 299th within the nation in adjusted pace and Houston score 359th. Remember that, neither crew might be in a hurry to push the ball up the court docket which, in flip, will restrict each possessions and scoring alternatives. Think about Houston’s top-ranked protection, in addition to the Cougars’ potency struggles from 2-point vary (272nd in NCAA) and you’ve got a 20-minute grind-fest more likely to keep underneath 62.5 overall issues. — Fortenbaugh
Maryland Terrapins (+6.5) vs. Florida Gators
In all probability there may be some bias right here since, candidly, I picked the Terps to win this sport in my bracket. That being stated, Florida is the one crew ultimate this is 0-2 ATS within the event. That does not imply the Gators are unhealthy however it could imply that they’re getting hyped up available in the market, which is smart taking into account how neatly they had been taking part in getting into the event. I need to get as many issues as conceivable right here and if this line strikes in any respect I feel it is shifting in Maryland’s path. — Fulghum
Editor’s Choices
1 Comparable
Michigan State Spartans (-2.5) vs. Ole Omit Rebels
Michigan State has the transparent edge at the glass, proudly owning the second-best rebound proportion within the nation, whilst Ole Omit has just one participant at the roster averaging no less than 5 rebounds in keeping with sport. Ole Omit does have the highest scorer on this sport with Sean Pedulla averaging 15 issues in keeping with sport, however this guard-heavy Rebels crew has to stand a Michigan State protection that leads the rustic in restricting opponent 3-point capturing proportion at 27.8%. With Michigan State’s protection protecting each the glass and the 3-point arc, they’ll duvet the unfold as neatly. — Peterson
