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Men’s College Basketball Tournament: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The 2024 men’s college basketball tournament field of 68 was revealed on Sunday, so it’s time to dive into the analysis as sports fans around the world start filling out their brackets.

Last year’s college basketball season was laced with parity, so it was little surprise to see chaos ensue in the dance.

The seeds in the last four were No. 4 (UConn), No. 5 (Miami), No. 5 (San Diego State) and No. 9 (Florida Atlantic), with the Huskies eventually taking the title.

What will the 2024 installment produce for an encore?

There has not been quite as much parity this season, as UConn, Houston and Purdue have been near the top of the rankings from start to finish and there was never much doubt that North Carolina would also get a No. 1 seed.

Still, it’s not like any team is dominant enough to be immune from the upset bug. After all, this is March; anything can happen.

Let’s break down the odds while also discussing some of the best bets to be made. 

Men’s Tournament betting picks and predictions

Best bet: North Carolina to win outright (+1400)

The consensus has Connecticut as the best team in the nation, but it’s also hard to argue that the defending champions have much value at +400. Instead, look toward a longer shot in the form of North Carolina at +1400.

It’s not often that you can get a No. 1 seed at these kinds of odds, but such is the case with the Tar Heels. They made it to the title game in 2022 and among the guys still around from that team are ACC Player of the Year RJ Davis and big man Armando Bacot.

This team has an outstanding guard (Davis) and a ton of experience. That is a recipe for success in the tournament.

Longshot play: Kentucky to win outright (+2800)

The national media is all over Kentucky, so the Wildcats' odds will probably start coming down from +2800 sooner rather than later.

If you want to take a shot on the ‘Cats, it would be wise to do so as soon as possible.

Strictly from a talent standpoint, UK can compete with anyone in the nation. Led by Antonio Reeves, Rob Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, it is not hard to see some value in head coach John Calipari’s crew and they have a real chance to take the title.

Read more Men’s College Basketball Tournament coverage on site.

Tennessee to win the Midwest Region (+325)

Tennessee seems to have a favorable path to the last four as the No. 2 seed behind Purdue (+160) in the Midwest Region.

It’s difficult to have much faith in the Boilermakers after what they did in the 2023 Tournament, losing to 16th-seed Fairleigh Dickinson in the first round, as well as their recent Big Ten Tournament semifinal loss to Wisconsin.

Look for SEC Player of the Year Dalton Knecht to lead the Volunteers to Glendale, Arizona.

Wisconsin to reach Last 16 (+175)

In the South Region, the Badgers have to get past James Madison and then either Duke or Vermont to reach the last 16.

James Madison is no slouch, but Wisconsin should be able to survive the always dreaded 5-12 matchup.

Duke just got swept by rival UNC in the regular season and then lost right away in the ACC Tournament to N.C. State.

Wisconsin may be too fundamentally sound for the Blue Devils, who might even lose to Vermont in round one.

Men’s College Basketball Tournament Odds

Connecticut

+400

Houston

+600

Purdue

+650

North Carolina

+1400

Arizona

+1600

Auburn

+1800

Tennessee

+1800

Creighton

+2200

Iowa State

+2200

Marquette

+2200

Read the latest college basketball news on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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