NCAA March Madness: West Region Betting Preview
I know, it all depends on who you like, but it is hard to make a case that any region is more difficult than the West this year.
You have last year's defending champion, Kansas, plus UCLA and Gonzaga, a couple of teams that were on a lot of Final Four lists heading into the season. The Zags' rival St. Mary's is in this group too, as are the likes of UConn and Arkansas. Teams whose best game can rival
anybody's.
Plus, nobody wants to play VCU ... ever.
Top Odds to Win the West Region
Kansas Jayhawks +300
UCLA Bruins +340
Gonzaga Bulldogs +420
Connecticut Huskies +600
Best Bet: Gonzaga +420
This is not the best Gonzaga team we have seen, but I think they are in a great spot this year. They have experience with guys like Drew Timme and Julian Strawther leading the way, plus Kansas and UCLA have questions due to coaching (Bill Self's health) and injury (Jaylen Clark is out for the year for the Bruins). The pressure is off the Zags a little this season as they are not at the top of the bracket and polls but this team was expected to be great. They can prove it by making another Final Four.
Sleeper: Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois has a tough opener in the 8/9 game vs. Arkansas and the winner of that tilt "gets" Kansas. I like the Illini, who are led by veterans from teams that have gone far in the Tournament before — Terrence Shannon Jr. from his days at Texas Tech and Matthew Mayer, who played for Baylor. They are also more than battle-tested from a season in the Big Ten. Per the above, Kansas might be a little wobbly and the Illini are capable of pushing them over.
West Region Best Bet for Thursday
Illinois +2.5 (vs Arkansas)
I suppose I have to pick the Illini again here as they are underdogs in their first matchup against the Razorbacks. The truth is Arkansas' best players might be better pro prospects than college players and they are very young. I do wish I was not betting against coach Eric Musselman in this spot though. Had they had Nick Smith all year they are probably better seeded and on their way to the Sweet 16. Look for a close game with Illinois showing its experience late. 2.5 points of line value on a team you think will win is good deal.
West Region Best Bet for Friday
Iona Gaels +9 (vs Connecticut Huskies)
Yes, the Gaels have legendary coach Rick Pitino on the sidelines but it is more than that. They also have size to give the Huskies' top player, big man Adama Sanogo, fits. They actually have a couple of big men they can rotate on him if necessary. Pitino as an underdog is not really fair and even though this game is in the West Region it is taking place in Albany, New York. Another advantage for the Gaels. They might even win outright.
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