At the beginning Michigan State makes for an obvious pick in the Des Moines regional. After all the Spartans won the Big Ten Conference regular season and tournament championships. Few schools provide more public betting NCAA basketball consistency than the Spartans. In like manner Sparty’s arch rival Michigan will be a very tough out at Des Moines. The Wolverines boast one of the toughest attitudes and defenses in the country. In view of family connections, the Minnesota vs. Louisville matchup offers intangible intrigue. While Florida and Nevada could be two potential Cinderella stories for March Madness!
2019 NCAA Tournament Des Moines Regional
Date and Time: Thursday, March 21 and Saturday, March 23, 2019
Location: Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines, Iowa
Des Moines Regional TV Coverage: CBS, TNT
Let’s look at Thursday’s four game lineup from Des Moines!
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Louisville Cardinals, 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS
Minnesota head coach Richard Pitino is the son of former Louisville head coach Rick Pitino. Papa Pitino left The Ville in disgrace last season due to the FBI story blowing wide open. Overall Louisville finished as one of the top public betting NCAA basketball surprise teams for 2018-19. Most important of all the Cardinals finished in the black on the board this year. Louisville has covered three of their last four games. Further, Minnesota’s lackluster offense may not match up well here.
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota U | +5½ (-110) | 135 (-110) | |
| Louisville | -5½ (-110) | 135 (-110) | |
| |||
Bradley Braves vs. Michigan State Spartans, 2:45 p.m. ET, CBS
Michigan State has become one of the most trusted online offshore bookmaker bets on the college basketball board. As an example, Sparty paid in 24 out of 34 games on the season. MSU remains in good form with seven payouts in their last ten games. Cassius Winston won Big Ten Player of the Year honors for the Spartans. Winston averaged 18.9 points and 7.6 assists per game. Of great concern is Bradley’s ability to cover with an offense ranked 311th in the land.
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley | +18½ (-110) | 133½ (-110) | |
| Michigan State | -18½ (-110) | 133½ (-110) | |
| |||
Florida Gators vs. Nevada Wolf Pack, 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT
Nevada remains a potential sleeper, at least with the casual betting public. However, sharps recall that the Wolf Pack made the Regional Semifinal last year and returned most of that roster. Head coach Eric Musselman has constructed one of the most complete full court teams in the nation. And sharpshooting Caleb Martin pumps in 19.2 points per outing. Florida’s 282nd ranked offense does not offer much hope here.
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | +2 (-110) | 134 (-110) | |
| Nevada | -2 (-110) | 134 (-110) | |
| |||
Montana Grizzlies vs. Michigan Wolverines, 9:20 p.m. ET, TNT
Michigan boasts the nation’s second ranked defense and covered 19 of 34 games. Counter to that is a Montana team that finished in the red at 14-18 vs. the line. Owing to Michigan’s name brand status is the legitimate concern of an overlay. Furthermore, Michigan’s plodding offense may leave the back door open.
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | +15½ (-110) | 130½ (-110) | |
| Michigan | -15½ (-110) | 130½ (-110) | |
| |||
Matchup to Watch
Nevada could prove to be a strong public betting NCAA basketball value. March Madness gamblers bet on name brand marquee programs and overlook teams like Nevada. As a result, there could be some extra value left for the more tuned in bettors.
Des Moines Regional NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
Increasingly it looks like Nevada could be a strong play at Des Moines!
Des Moines Regional NCAA Betting Online Pick: Nevada Wolf Pack
Des Moines Regional NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Nevada 87, Florida 73
Catch highlights of Michigan State’s win over Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game!