At the onset of the March Madness NCAA Tournament, there is an annual talk about the “Cinderella” team. Just what is a “Cinderella” anyway? Most would say it is a school like Loyola of Chicago. The Ramblers Final Four run was a classic Cinderella performance with the College Basketball odds. Loyola is unknown by the masses and from a mid-major conference. And then there is the “sleeper” class. Unlike Cinderella, a sleeper is a better-known brand underrated on the board. And this year, we have some sleepers that could be cutting down the nets.
2022 NCAA Tournament March Madness Sleepers
| Date and Time: | March 15 through April 4, 2022 |
|---|---|
| TV Coverage: | CBS and its Affiliates |
March Madness Championship odds at SBG
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Gonzaga Bulldogs | +350 |
| Arizona Wildcats | +643 |
| Kentucky Wildcats | +762 |
| Duke Blue Devils | +1050 |
| Baylor Bears | +1175 |
| Kansas Jayhawks | +1275 |
| Auburn Tigers | +1375 |
| Purdue Boilermakers | +1425 |
| Texas Tech Red Raiders | +1900 |
| Villanova Wildcats | +2150 |
| UCLA Bruins | +2500 |
| All Other Teams | +3375 or higher |
March Madness Illinois Fighting Illini +3875
At the beginning of the week, Illinois is an appetizing +3875 underdog. The Fighting Illini could offer massive online wagering value as the Big Ten regular season co-champion. Consider that the Illini rank 52nd out of 350 teams for scoring offense. And that they will have one of the best players in the nation on their side. Kofi Cockburn is a difference maker that can take over games. Additionally, the Fighting Illini have the momentum of winning that regular season title.
Tennessee Volunteers +1850
While everyone looked at Kentucky and Auburn, the Tennessee Volunteers romped to the SEC Tournament championship. The old saying goes, “defense wins championships,” and UT brings that in spades. To show, Tennessee ranks 33rd in the nation for points allowed. Tennessee is one of the country’s toughest teams, and toughness is the ultimate March Madness intangible.
Iowa Hawkeyes +2475
Iowa has the hot hand with five payouts in their last six games. Last time out was a win in the Big Ten championship tournament over Purdue 75-66. Iowa emerged from the shadows of being considered a rebuilding team. Fashion that Iowa ranks 5th in the nation for scoring offense. Keegan Murray is pumping in 23.6 points per game.
Arkansas Razorbacks +6150
On the whole, the Razorbacks are one of the hottest teams on the board. Arkansas has dropped just one game to the spread in their last ten outings. The Hogs rank 40th in the nation for scoring offense. Most important of all, Arkansas has quality wins over Kentucky, Tennessee, and Auburn. The translation is that the Hogs can beat anyone they face on the hardwood.
UConn Huskies
UConn is falling like a rock on the NCAABB betting board with only one payout in their last eight games. Thus, the Huskies will be ignored by the masses in March Madness. UConn has shown the ability to beat the best in the nation. To illuminate, the Huskies beat Villanova three weeks ago to serve as a warning to all about their ability.
Wisconsin Badgers +8150
Wisconsin is priced like an also-ran that barely got into the Big Dance. Instead, the Badgers are the Big Ten regular season co-champions. While not flashy, the Badgers have toughness and a complete full-court game. And they are regulars on the Big Dance floor.
March Madness Sleepers SBG Best Bet: Illinois Fighting Illini.