Skip to content

The Best NCAA Tournament Picks For Saturday Games

Bob Wankel
ncaa first round picks

There were a number of unbelievable upsets to open the Round of 64 action on Friday. Squads like North Texas, Oregon State and Oral Roberts pulled off stunners, and more chaos will likely come with today’s schedule.

With an absolutely loaded schedule of basketball ahead, let’s take a look at the full slate to identify some best NCAA Tournament picks for Saturday’s action.

Best Bets and NCAA Tournament Picks

A total of 16 are on tap throughout Saturday afternoon into the night, and we’ve selected a handful of matchups that we think can help bettors navigate the potential pitfalls of wagering on March Madness.

Without further ado, let’s jump into our best bets for today’s games.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
Bet $10 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins!

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US), Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, MS, NY, NV, ON, or PR.
SIGN UP
CODE: ELITE150
CODE: ELITE150
SIGNUP PROMO
BET $10
GET $150

BET NOW

Click here to get the BetMGM March Madness promo right here.

Colorado (-5.5) vs. Georgetown

We are big believers of riding teams that enter the tournament with momentum. Just look at what squads like North Texas, Oregon State and Oral Roberts did on Friday.

Now, we get a Georgetown team grabbing 5.5 points from Colorado. Georgetown struggled early in the season, but blitzed its way through the Big East Tournament, finishing the deal with a total beatdown of Creighton.

Head coach Patrick Ewing has his group believing, and there’s reason you should believe in this group. The Hoyas led the Big East in three-point shooting at 36.6% and they’re one of college basketball’s better free throw shooting squads.

The PAC-12 has had a solid start to this tournament, but it showed itself to be filled with inconsistent performers all season. Colorado was part at that inconsistency,  and the Buffaloes have been a betting disappointment in recent tourney appearances, going 0-4 ATS in their last four games.

Pick: Georgetown +5.5

LSU (-2) vs. St. Bonaventure

This matchup feels dangerous. Bettors will want to back the SEC squad with a short number in this spot, but we advise against it.

The Bonnies played just 20 games this year in an abbreviated A-10 schedule, but those who missed this team should know that they possess one of the nation’s better defense — 17th in adjust defense. They also are a team that is accustomed to dealing with long layoffs.

St. Bonaventure was a strong 8-3 on the road this season, while LSU was a pedestrian 7-7 away from home, including just a 2-4 mark against teams in the tournament. Notably, the Tigers have struggled with elite defensive teams, dropping eight games to squads in the Top 60 of adjusted defense.

Pick: St. Bonaventure +2

william hill

UConn (-3.5) vs. Maryland

The Huskies were a 2.5-point favorite earlier in the week, so this number has grown a bit throughout the week.

UConn last played against Creighton in the Big East Tournament semifinals, ending what many thought would-be a title run. The Huskies look to bounce back and have a strong opportunity to do so against a Maryland squad that many people believe shouldn’t even be part of the tournament.

Some things to know ahead of this one include that Maryland was just 8-12 in Big Ten and had a sub .500 record away from home this season. While Maryland is dangerous, evidenced by several outstanding wins, the Terps are also an inconsistent performer, and we will gladly back their early exit against a superior UConn team.

Pick: UConn -2.5

Click here to sign up with DraftKings Sportsbook and grab 64-1 odds on any underdog in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Bob Wankel
Bob Wankel

Bob Wankel is a credentialed Phillies writer for Crossing Broad. He is also Vice President of Sports Betting Content at XL Media and co-hosts Crossed Up: A Phillies Podcast.

A South Jersey resident and graduate of Monmouth University, his past work includes 12+ years in education and six seasons as a freelancer at NFL Films.

On Twitter: @Bob_Wankel
E-mail: bob.w@xlmedia.com

Related Articles