Inspired Madness: Two NCAA player props for Friday

If you needed a reminder of what makes March Madness glorious, yesterday provided several. With the East Region’s No. 2 Arizona and No. 4 Virginia both suffering last-minute defeats, the path to an inaugural Final Four for Alabama has gotten considerably easier. Other bracket-busting upsets may be lurking today, but that possibility won’t diminish the value found in a pair of player props.

Bet No. 1: Over 9½ points for UConn forward Alex Karaban (DraftKings)

Named the 2020-21 Player of the Year for New Hampshire after averaging 25.8 points per game, Karaban has been a regular starter as a redshirt freshman. He showed remarkable consistency over his first five collegiate games, clearing this number in each but never topping 13 points.

The primary issue for Karaban has been staying out of foul trouble. He again scored at least 10 in three of his last five contests, but he was held to single digits in the two games when he was assessed four fouls. Assuming his minutes aren’t limited by aggressive play, he figures to get buckets against an Iona defense that hasn’t faced much high-level competition.

Bet No. 2: Over 7½ rebounds for Gonzaga forward Drew Timme (DraftKings)

Known nearly as much for distinctive facial hair as for his basketball prowess, Timme has been a darling of recent tournaments. In last year’s opening round, he collected 13 rebounds while playing just 27 minutes in a dominant win against Georgia State. Two days later, he pulled down 14 boards as the Bulldogs beat Memphis to advance to the Sweet 16.

Although Timme averaged a pedestrian 7.3 rebounds this season, he holds a height advantage over every starter for Grand Canyon. The leading rebounder for the Lopes, Gabe McGlothan, stands three inches shorter than the 6-foot-10 Timme, who should be able to control the glass tonight.