March Madness 2025: Sweet 16 Betting Insights and Predictions
As the excitement of March Madness continues to build, the Sweet 16 is now set in the men’s NCAA tournament. While we might not have any true Cinderella stories left in the mix, the matchups are nothing short of compelling. For those of you looking to place some bets, the question remains: which games stand out and offer the best value?
To help navigate the betting landscape, our expert panel consisting of Joe Fortenbaugh, Tyler Fulghum, Mackenzie Kraemer, and Greg Peterson has taken a deep dive into the early odds. They’ve highlighted the bets that stand out, providing insights that could be crucial for your betting strategy.
Remember, odds are accurate as of publication time. For the latest odds, make sure to check out ESPN BET.
Houston Cougars (-7.5) vs Purdue Boilermakers
Let’s start with the Houston Cougars, who are favored by 7.5 points against the Purdue Boilermakers. Houston boasts the best defense in the country, but it’s their offense that could make the real difference in this matchup. Purdue has struggled defensively, ranking outside the top 100 in defensive efficiency since February. While teams like High Point and McNeese couldn’t capitalize on this, Houston’s offense is a different beast. They averaged 1.25 points per possession against Gonzaga, and they should be able to score at will against Purdue. On the flip side, Purdue’s 19 turnovers against McNeese could spell trouble against Houston’s ball pressure. — Kraemer
Houston/Purdue First Half Under 62.5
For those interested in first-half bets, consider the under 62.5 points for the Houston vs. Purdue game. Both teams operate at a slow pace, with Purdue ranking 299th and Houston 359th in adjusted tempo. This means neither team will be in a hurry to push the ball up the court, limiting possessions and scoring opportunities. Combine this with Houston’s top-ranked defense and their struggles with 2-point efficiency (272nd in NCAA), and you have a recipe for a low-scoring first half. — Fortenbaugh
Maryland Terrapins (+6.5) vs. Florida Gators
Next up, we have the Maryland Terrapins as 6.5-point underdogs against the Florida Gators. Full disclosure: I picked the Terps to win this game in my bracket. Florida is the only team left that is 0-2 ATS in the tournament. This doesn’t mean the Gators are a bad team, but it might suggest they’re overvalued in the market, especially given their strong performance entering the tournament. If the line moves, it’s likely to move in Maryland’s favor, so grabbing as many points as possible here could be wise. — Fulghum
Michigan State Spartans (-2.5) vs. Ole Miss Rebels
Finally, let’s talk about the Michigan State Spartans, who are favored by 2.5 points against the Ole Miss Rebels. Michigan State has a clear advantage on the boards, boasting the second-best rebound percentage in the country. In contrast, Ole Miss has only one player averaging at least five rebounds per game. While Ole Miss does have the game’s top scorer in Sean Pedulla with 15 points per game, this guard-heavy team will face a Michigan State defense that excels at limiting opponent 3-point shooting to just 27.8%. With their defensive prowess on both the glass and the perimeter, Michigan State is well-positioned to cover the spread. — Peterson
- Houston’s defense is top-ranked, but their offense could be the game-changer against Purdue.
- Consider betting the first half under 62.5 points for Houston vs. Purdue due to their slow pace and strong defense.
- Maryland could be a smart pick against Florida, who is 0-2 ATS in the tournament.
- Michigan State’s rebounding and perimeter defense give them the edge over Ole Miss.
Originally Written by: ESPN
