After a thrilling first day of NCAA Tournament action, the focus is now on the Second Round games that are set for Saturday. This is where things get pretty interesting as some underdog teams are looking to pull off a second straight upset.
There are just eight games on the schedule for Saturday, but that still leads to some great betting opportunities. Here are the best bets for Round 2 of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.
North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Baylor Bears
North Carolina vs. Baylor Prediction
Best Bet: Baylor ML (-240)
The Baylor Bears are the top seed in the East Region, but their path to the Final Four could get a little bit bumpy on Saturday. Baylor is a 5.5-point favorite over the North Carolina Hurricanes, but this is a battle of college basketball heavyweights.
Both of these teams had little trouble in the First Round, and each team was able to get some rest. Baylor will try to win this game with defense while North Carolina can really score.
The Tar Heels probably underachieved during the regular season, but they will be looking to make a statement in this game. North Carolina will keep this one close, but Baylor will ultimately prevail with the win.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Michigan vs. Tennessee Prediction
Best Bet: Michigan +6
One of the most intriguing matchups of the day will take place in the South Region as the Michigan Wolverines will square off with the Tennessee Volunteers. The Volunteers are six-point favorites in this game, but the Wolverines are a team that no one wants to see in their path.
Michigan picked up a 12-point win over Colorado State in the First Round, and the Wolverines are scoring over 73 points per game this season. Tennessee is allowing just 56 points per game this season, and that defense will have to take control of this game.
Don’t expect much separation in this game, as Michigan has a ton of talent. Tennessee should advance to the Sweet 16, but Michigan will cover the six-point spread.
Richmond Spiders vs. Providence Friars
Richmond vs. Providence Prediction
Best Bet: Providence -3
The Richmond Spiders are into the Second Round after stunning the Iowa Hawkeyes in the First Round. Richmond will now take on the Providence Friars, who were able to stave off an upset attempt by San Diego State.
This is a game that might be played in the 50s as both teams can really defend. Richmond has now won five straight games, but they are going to run into a bit of trouble in this one.
Providence is a bit underrated as a number four seed, and they will advance to the Sweet 16 with a win.
Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. UCLA Bruins
Saint Mary’s vs. UCLA Prediction
Best Bet: UCLA -3
UCLA is a three-point favorite over Saint Mary’s in the Second Round, and this game should be tight throughout. The Bruins are finally fully healthy, but they are taking on a Saint Mary’s team that has already upset the Gonzaga Bulldogs this season.
Both teams are 26-7 on the year, and this matchup feels pretty tight. Saint Mary’s will need to play terrific defense, but the Gaels sometimes struggle to score points.
The Bruins just have too many weapons on offense, and they will win this game and cover the slim three-point spread.
Saint Peter’s Peacocks vs. Murray State Racers
Saint Peter’s vs. Murray State Prediction
Best Bet: Murray State ML (-405)
The Murray State Racers simply know how to win, and they picked up their 31st win of the season on Thursday night in an overtime game against the San Francisco Dons. Murray State is now a solid betting favorite on Saturday as they play the Saint Peter’s Peacocks.
There is no doubt that Saint Peter’s will have plenty of momentum after stunning Kentucky in the First Round. Saint Peter’s used their defense to pull off that win, but this team still struggles to score.
Murray State is a team that has no weakness, and the Racers will advance to the Sweet 16.
