Futures Odds to Win – March Madness Gambling Predictions
No season builds to the “playoffs” quite like college hoops. There is a reason they call it March Madness.
While prognosticators may like predictability its what we can’t predict that leaves us wanting more this time of year.
Having scanned the brackets and watched plenty of ball throughout the season here are some thoughts on teams we might all be rooting for over the next couple of weeks.
The Favourites
Gonzaga (12 to 1)
Some wondered whether their body of work justified a number one selection. I think it did and when I look at the potential matchups I see them with the potentially easiest path to the Final Four of all the number one seeds. You can debate whether Indiana, Louisville and Kansas are better than the Bulldogs but that really is moot at this point.
The Zags are deep and talented with one of the few very skilled big men in America. Talking heads may be right that they prefer flow to physicality but they are also just so good at scoring the basketball and have great depth. They are primed for their best March run ever.
Miami (8 to 1)
The Hurricanes might have been in the running for a #1 seed but I think they have to be really happy with their side of the bracket – even as a #2. The first couple of rounds should be a breeze but a game against mentally tough Butler or Marquette could be a challenge. If someone knocks off Indiana (see below) then they could cruise to the Final Four.
If you like seniors then the Canes have to be on your shortlist. Miami, from their coach on down, is kind of old. Thankfully sophomore point guard Shane Larkin gives them their special spark. As long as the vets keep him under control they have a deep run ahead of them.
The Contenders
VCU (50 to 1)
The Rams can be unpredictable but they got a nice opening game to get their momentum going. Akron is a good team out of the MAC but they are missing their point guard and that is the worst thing that could happen to a team about to play “Havoc”. Coach Shaka Smart has proven himself on this stage before.
After Akron it is likely Michigan who was barely above .500 down the stretch. Then another potential date with Kansas. It won’t be easy but the Rams have shown previously that they can get on a roll and just keep going.
Oklahoma State (100 to 1)
I am with the talking heads that there was no respect for the PAC 12 in the seedings. Still I don’t see Oregon as being able to beat the Cowboys in their matchup. The Cowboys will have the best player on the floor in point guard Marcus Smart and should prevail. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
OSU has proven that it can beat good teams and has the kind of mix of perimeter excellence and physicality inside that can bother opponents. They key for them is putting together complete games instead of 5 minutes periods of superior play.
The Longshots
Iowa State (500 to 1)
In looking at the Cyclones and I am less impressed with their team than I am with their chances to advance. To me Ohio State is the most vulnerable #2 seed out there and as much respect as I have for New Mexico they are more effort than talent so they could fall easily. The Cyclones are battle tested and could surprise if they get past their first test against Notre Dame.
N.C. State (60 to 1)
The Wolfpack are an eight seed but it wasn’t that that long ago they were considered an ACC and national title contender. Beating Temple is never easy but they have enough of everything to challenge Indiana if they can make it to the next round (more than enough really!). The biggest roadblock could wind up being another date with Miami to try and make it to the Final Four.
They keep coming up short against those guys.
Belmont (1000 to 1)
Like Iowa State the Bruins first game against Arizona could be their toughest. But if you look past it you see the same group of teams that I thought Iowa State might be able to run through to make a Sweet Sixteen run or further. This team has been there before and is looking to destroy someone’s season.
They moved up in class to the Ohio Valley Conference this year and didn’t miss a beat.
