Ricky Dimon
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Through the end of March Madness, we will be providing a daily update with everything you need to know about the NCAA Tournament. Covering line movements to betting trends, statistics, quotes, and more, we will provide you with everything you need to know about all of happenings in Indiana.
With the Elite Eight continuing on Tuesday, let’s take another daily in-depth look at the Big Dance by previewing the matchups will determine the last spots in the Final Four.
Line movements
Move for the underdog
UCLA +7.5 to +7 vs. Michigan
Move for the under
Gonzaga-USC 155 to 153.5
Michigan-UCLA 137.5 to 136
Public Money
Let’s take one last look at where the money is going in advance of Tuesday’s Elite Eight showdowns.
Gonzaga -8.5 vs. USC
The public is currently on Gonzaga in its upcoming matchup with USC, a No. 1 vs. No. 6 meeting in the West Region. A total of 67 percent of the money and 68 percent of the bets are coming in on the Bulldogs -8.5. Even at -400, bettors also have plenty of interest in Gonzaga on the money line. The Bulldogs are inspiring 77 percent of the handle and 72 percent of the wagers to win outright.
Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. USC Trojans preview and picks
Michigan -7 vs. UCLA
Punters are also going with the favorite in Michigan vs. UCLA, a No. 1 vs. No. 11 meeting in the East Region. With 60 percent of the wagers backing the Wolverines at -7, 67 percent of the handle is going in that direction. They also like the over, as 75 percent of the bets (albeit just 54 percent of the money) are backing Over 136.
Michigan Wolverines vs. UCLA Bruins preview and picks
Stat of the Day
36.8 ppg – Combined points per game being averaged by UCLA guards Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez Jr. during the NCAA Tournament
That is considerably higher than their season-long combined points-per-game average of 27.4 (15.0 for Juzang and 12.4 for Jaquez). The sophomore duo has led its time to victories over Michigan State (in the First Four), BYU, Abilene Christian, and Alabama—the latter in overtime. Next up for the Bruins is Michigan, which boasts a stellar defense. Only two of the Wolverines’ last 10 opponents have exceeded the 70-point mark, and Florida State scored only 58 on Sunday.
Quote of the Day
“I don’t know what everyone else is saying, but I know what this team thinks. And we know we’re special.”
— USC guard Isaiah White after leading the Trojans with 22 points in a Sweet 16 win over Oregon
What everyone else—or at least the majority—is saying is that USC is going to lose to Gonzaga by double-digits on Tuesday. But don’t tell that to White and company. They are brimming with confidence, and why not? The Trojans have been positively destroying all opponents in their way; they opened with a 72-56 rout of Drake, embarrassed Kansas 85-51, and then eased past Pac-12 rival Oregon 82-68.
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