Although Houston is overlooked, that works in their favor with the College Basketball lines. Sharps love the fact that the masses ignore the Cougars. Coach Kelvin Sampson’s team was among the most profitable this year. San Diego State is another team that squares are oblivious to. That could mean a price break in their game against name-brand Syracuse. Clemson and Rutgers will meet on one of the most balanced first-round matchups. While West Virginia may have caught a break in their matchup with Morehead State. Houston stands a chance to turn the Midwest regional upside down.
2021 NCAA Tournament – Houston Bracket
| First Round Date: | Friday, March 19, 2021 |
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| 2021 NCAA Tournament Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
San Diego State -2.5, 136.6 vs. Syracuse, 9:40 p.m. ET, CBS
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse | +3 (-110) | 139 (-110) | +140 | |
| San Diego State | -3 (-110) | 139 (-110) | -160 | |
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Syracuse has a sports betting record of 16-9 SU, 12-13 ATS, 13-12 OU. And then San Diego State is 23-4, 14-12 ATS, 13-12-1 OU. Syracuse finished in the middle of the pack in the Atlantic Coast Conference. And the Orange were in the red against the board on the year. The once fearsome Syracuse 2-3 zone defense ranks 199th for points allowed. Coach Jim Boeheim’s son Buddy leads with 17.1 points per game.
San Diego State won the Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships. Defense is the strength of the Aztecs’ program. To show, they rank 4th out of 350 teams for points allowed. Matt Mitchell leads the offense with 15.4 points per game.
West Virginia -12.5, 137.5 vs. Morehead State, 9:50 p.m. ET, truTV
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morehead State | +12½ (-110) | 138 (-110) | +600 | |
| West Virginia | -12½ (-110) | 138 (-110) | -900 | |
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West Virginia is 18-9 SU, 13-14 ATS, 18-9 OU. Counter to that is Morehead State at 23-7 SU, 19-9 ATS, 10-18 OU. The Eagles were the winners of the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Morehead State brings the nation’s 32nd ranked scoring defense.
West Virginia coach Bob Huggins is a March Madness veteran. And he brings an offense ranked 48th out of 350 teams for scoring. Of major concern is a defense ranked 229th for points allowed. Derek Culver averages 14.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
Clemson vs. Rutgers -1.5, 126.5, 9:20 p.m. ET, TBS
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers | -1½ (-110) | 126 (-110) | -125 | |
| Clemson | +1½ (-110) | 126 (-110) | +105 | |
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Clemson is 16-7 SU, 11-11-1 ATS, 12-11 OU. While Rutgers is 15-11 SU, 13-12-1 ATS, 12-13-1 OU. Clemson ranks an atrocious 307th for scoring offense. That will be hard to overcome. Late on, Rutgers has covered five of their last eight.
Houston -19, 134.5 vs. Cleveland State, 7:15 p.m. ET, truTV
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland State | +20½ (-110) | 135 (-110) | +1450 | |
| Houston U | -20½ (-110) | 135 (-110) | -2750 | |
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Houston is 24-3 SU, 18-8 ATS, 13-13 OU. By contrast, Cincinnati is 19-7 SU, 17-8-1 ATS, 13-12-1 OU. Houston finished second in the American Athletic Conference standings. But the Cougars dropped the hammer in the AAC title game with a 91-54 pasting of Cincinnati. Houston has covered five of their last seven games. Second in the nation out of 350 teams for points allowed is impressive. Houston’s offense is an asset and ranks 53rd nationally for scoring. Quentin Grimes averages 18 points per game.
Cleveland State won the Horizon League Tournament championship. In like manner to Houston, the Vikings were highly profitable this season. Cleveland State has covered four of their previous six games. However, the Vikings rank 229th for scoring and 154th for points allowed.
Houston Bracket SBG Free Picks
On the whole, Houston is the team to beat in this bracket. Clemson’s offense is a liability with the College basketball lines. And then West Virginia and San Diego State are too much for their opponents.
Houston Bracket SBG Best Bet: Houston, Clemson, West Virginia, and San Diego State.