The month of March is one of the best times of the year for sports bettors as college basketball takes center stage. While many people will be filling out brackets, since those are usually longshots to hit, the real money is made betting the games. With March Madness right around the corner, let’s take a look at three teams who are flying under the radar but could end up making a run in the big dance.
Texas Tech Red Raiders Odds To Win NCAA Tournament: +3300
Texas Tech is currently the No. 14 team in the country and is coming off a rough patch. they’ve dropped two of their last three and are now 23-8 on the season. However, what you have to love about this team is the defense and coaching. And based on history, we know that can take them far.
Texas Tech is ranked No. 8 in the nation in terms of opponent field goal percentage. Few teams have busted them up. Even Gonzaga – the No. 1 team and offense in the country – only scored 69 against them. This team can have off nights offensively and still win.
We saw them win five in a row and head to the National Championship in 2019 and this team is capable of similar things.
Illinois Fighting Illini Odds To Win NCAA Tournament: +3300
It feels like we’re getting some value here with Illinois – a team that entered last year’s tournament with a No. 1 seed. This time around, they’re probably looking at a seeding no better than No. 4 but the difference is they’re much more balanced. They have four different players who score in double figures and one more who adds in 8.3. They shoot 36.7% from three and are the No. 32 team in terms of rebounding, 36th in blocks and 43rd in assists.
Last year, teams knew that Ayo Dosunmu – who is now with the Chicago Bulls – was the star of the team and had to be stopped. And he was. This time around, this team has much more balance and more options who can step up if someone else is struggling. That could lead Illinois to make that run that many thought would come in last year’s NCAA Tournament.
Providence Friars Odds To Win NCAA Tournament: +10000
Providence is another solid defensive team as they hold opponents to 40.9% from the field and 31.4% from three. They appear to be offering some great value here as they’re the No. 11 team in the country but are up on the board at 80/1. They’re 24-4 on the year but two of their losses were to a highly-ranked Villanova squad, so they’ve mostly taken care of business otherwise.
What you have to love about this team is that they are No. 22 in free throw attempts, they commit very few turnovers (11.9). They’re disciplined and if they come together at the right time, they could make a magical run.
2022 March Madness Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Gonzaga | +400 |
| Kentucky | +800 |
| Auburn | +800 |
| Arizona | +900 |
| Purdue | +1200 |
| Duke | +1400 |
| Kansas | +1600 |
| Baylor | +1600 |
| UCLA | +2500 |
| Villanova | +2500 |
| Houston | +2800 |
| Illinois | +3300 |
| Texas | +3300 |
| Texas Tech | +3300 |
| Tennessee | +3300 |
| Rutgers | +5000 |
| Alabama | +5500 |
| Ohio State | +6000 |
| Michigan | +6600 |
| Connecticut | +6600 |
| USC | +6600 |
| LSU | +7500 |
| Michigan State | +8000 |
| Marquette | +8000 |
| Wisconsin | +8000 |
| Arkansas | +8000 |
| Miami FL | +10000 |
| Memphis | +10000 |
| Providence | +10000 |
| St. Mary’s CA | +10000 |
