The NCAA’s annual Army vs. Navy game is headed to Massachusetts this Saturday as the 5-6 Black Nights will take on the 5-6 Midshipmen from Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium.

Here are the betting odds for the game, according to our exclusive wagering partners at FanDuel Sportsbook:

Odds – Army vs. Navy

Spread: Army -2.5

Moneyline: Army -152/Navy +126

Total: O/U 28.5

Storylines

Saturday’s Army/Navy game in Foxborough is going to be an incredible environment. Not only is it a) a standalone game and b) the home of ESPN’s College Game Day this weekend, but it’s one of the biggest rivalries in all of sports. Don’t believe me? Just ask Army head coach Jeff Monken:

“I don’t think there’s a better rivalry in sports, to be honest with you,” the Black Knights head coach said at last week’s Army/Navy media day from Gillette Stadium. “There’ll be conference championships next week, the National Championship Game is coming up, rivalry weekend in college football last Saturday, and those are great games. But I don’t think any of them compare to the Army-Navy Game.”

“…Every competitor on the field next weekend,” Monken continued. “And every one of their classmates sitting in the stands made a pledge to serve our country. They’re willing to pay the ultimate price for everybody that watches the game.”

“It’s really difficult to describe,” Navy head coach Brian Newberry when speaking on the rivalry. “Just the the scene, the energy, the pageantry, just the pride that you have being a part of the game. There’s nothing like it… All 11 guys playing as hard as they do, and the pride they play with and playing for each other, it’s a special day and there’s really nothing like it.”

Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona, a Navy alum and current Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve, said on Tuesday that playing in this game is on par with the Super Bowl as the biggest game he’s ever played in. He confirmed he’ll be in attendance on Saturday.

It’s going to be quite the day.

Predictions and Picks

As for the game itself, the UNDER hit in 16 (!!) straight contests before last year’s overtime thriller in Philly. An incredible feat that I believe will hit again on Saturday in Foxborough.

I like Navy to not only cover the 2.5-point spread, but win outright in yet another historic matchup with Army.

Score: Navy 13 – Army 10

Side: Navy +2.5

Total: UNDER 28.5

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The post Gillette Stadium to Host 124th Army vs. Navy Game – Betting Odds, Preview, and Prediction appeared first on CLNS Media.

It also put their quarterback, Hendon Hooker, directly into the Heisman Trophy spotlight. According to BetOnline.ag, Hooker now has the second shortest odds behind only Ohio State QB CJ Stroud to win the award. Here is their top five:

Odds to Win 2022 Heisman Trophy

CJ Stroud                        +105

Hendon Hooker             +350

Blake Corum                 +1200

Caleb Williams             +1200

Bryce Young                 +2000

Hooker has been outstanding this season. He’s thrown for 1,817 yards, 15 TD, and only 1 INT through six games. He also threw for a career high 385 yards and five touchdowns on Saturday vs. Alabama, putting both him and the Volunteers in the Heisman Trophy and National Championship conversations respectively.

But did he have his “Heisman Moment” too early?

Tennessee plays UT Martin this weekend before playing #19 Kentucky and #1 Georgia in back-to-back weeks. If they can get past Georgia – Hooker should, in theory, have a second Heisman moment and be the clear front runner for the award at that point.

However, I have a hard time believing this is going to happen. Hooker and the Vols are awesome, but the Bulldogs are legit. The Bama game might have been a one-hit wonder for this team.

*SLEEPER ALERT!* I think Bryce Young at 20/1 (+2000) is a great value bet here. Young missed a game due to a separated shoulder, but he returned for the game against Tennessee and thew for 455 yards in the heartbreaking loss.

I still think the Crimson Tide are the best team in college football. They have a difficult schedule ahead, with 4 out of their next 5 opponents being from the SEC. If they can get through this stretch, win the SEC, and Young can continue playing lights out football, the Heisman Trophy could be his for a second season in a row.

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @CLNSMedia for the latest up-to-date Boston sports news!

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The post Did QB Hendon Hooker Have Has “Heisman Moment” Too Early in Win vs. Alabama? appeared first on CLNS Media.

Let’s get right to it. I’ve been all over Gonzaga basketball for the past several seasons. Year in and year out, the Bulldogs dominate the West Coast Conference, play high quality basketball in their out-of-league schedule, and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

But they’ve failed to get over the hump.

This doesn’t matter for oddsmakers, though. For the third year in a row – Gonzaga is the betting favorite to win the NCAA Tournament according to BetOnline.ag. Here are their top ten:

2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion

Gonzaga                                   +750

North Carolina                       +800

Kentucky                               +1000

Houston                                 +1100

Kansas                                    +1400

Baylor                                     +1400

Arkansas                                +1600

Creighton                              +1800

Duke                                       +1800

UCLA                                     +1800

Forward Drew Timme is returning to Gonzaga for his senior season and will look to lead the Bulldogs to the promised land. The 2x Second-Team All American and 2022 WCC Player of the Year is starved for another chance at a title.

Junior Julian Strawther will also return to the team in 2022. The 6’7″ guard started 31 games for the Zags last year and scored 11.8 points per game. They’ll lean on him to continue improving in his third year in Spokane.

Malachi Smith is a massive addition to the Gonzaga team. A transfer guard from UT-Chattanooga, Smith led the Mocs to the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22 and was the Mid-Major player of the year. The addition of Smith is the reason why I will again be taking the Bulldogs to win the NCAA Title in 2022-23.

My pick: Gonzaga +750

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @CLNSMedia for the latest up-to-date Boston sports news!

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Phil Jerkovec, a redshirt junior, announced last December that he would not yet declare for the NFL draft – instead opting to come back to Chestnut Hill for another year:

Jerkovec, who transferred from Notre Dame and has dealt with injury throughout his lengthy college career, seems to finally have the stability he needs heading into his third year at BC.

The Eagles went 6-6 last year and were supposed to play in the Military Bowl against East Carolina – but the game was canceled due to COVID. I wrote a preview on the game (read HERE), and naturally picked BC to win and predicted Jerkovec would have a day.

The kid is good, and according to our exclusive gambling partners at BetOnline.ag, he’s in the conversation to be the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Here are their odds:

Number One Overall Pick – 2023 NFL Draft

CJ Stroud                                    +200

Bryce Young                                +250

Will Anderson                             +300

Paris Johnson                             +900

Tyler Van Dyke                          +1600

Jaxon Smith-Njigba                  +1600

Phil Jerkovec                            +1600

Spencer Rattler                          +1800

The first two names on this list, CJ Stroud (+200), and Bryce Young (+250), are the two best quarterbacks in college football. Stroud has the shortest odds to win the Heisman according to BetOnline, with +325 odds to win the trophy. Young is third at 7/1.

Young’s teammate, linebacker Will Anderson, is the first non-QB on the list with 3/1 odds to go number one. Anderson is the nucleus of the Alabama defense. He led the nation in sacks last season with 17.5 and recorded 57 solo tackles.

South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler is, shockingly, on this list. The former Oklahoma Sooner was projected to be the number 1 pick last season – but spiraled miserably with Lincoln Riley in Norman before being benched for Caleb Williams. Taking Rattler at 18/1 is charity.

I ultimately think Bryce Young at +250 is the best bet here. The Crimson Tide are due for a national championship, and he’ll be in the spotlight every week.

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @CLNSMedia for the latest up-to-date Boston sports news!

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The post Boston College Quarterback Phil Jerkovec in Conversation to be Number One Pick in 2023 NFL Draft appeared first on CLNS Media.

Who Will Win Each Region of the NCAA Tournament?

March Madness – Betting Odds and Ends For the Round of 64

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Betting Odds Heading into the Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen West Region – Gonzaga vs. Arkansas and Texas Tech vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen South Region – Michigan vs. Villanova and Arizona vs. Houston – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen Midwest Region – Providence vs. Kansas and Iowa State vs. Miami – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen East Region – St. Peter’s vs. Purdue and North Carolina vs. UCLA – Betting Predictions and Picks

NCAA Men’s Basketball Elite Eight Houston vs. Villanova and Arkansas vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

Updated NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Odds Heading into the Final Four

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four – Villanova vs. Kansas – Betting Odds, Preview, and Prediction

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four – Duke vs. North Carolina – Betting Odds, Preview, and Prediction

Kansas vs. North Carolina – 9:20pm

Odds

Spread: Kansas -4.5

Total: 153

Moneyline: Kansas -195/UNC +170

Storylines

Instead of getting Coach K’s last chance at a National Championship, we get the Roy Williams Bowl. The North Carolina Tar Heels and the Kansas Jayhawks are set to face off on Monday night for a chance at a championship.

Kansas took down Villanova on Saturday 81-65, and the game was never particularly close. Led by Ochai Agbaji and David McCormack, the Jayhawks shot out to an early 20-point first half lead and never looked back. They led wire-to-wire, and despite a, 8-0 run by Villanova early in the second half cutting the deficit to eight points – Kansas was in control the entire game on their way to the championship. Villanova guard Collin Gillespie led the way with 17 points in his last game for the Wildcats – but it wasn’t enough for the storied senior guard to prolong his career.

Saturday’s night cap was outstanding. Rivals Duke and North Carolina played an unbelievable back-and-forth game that included 18(!!) lead changes and dominant performances all over the court. UNC’s Armando Bacot had 21 rebounds, guard Caleb Love scored 28 points, and Brady Manek shot 50% from behind the arc to lead the Tar Heels to a victory. Paulo Banchero led the way, per usual, for Duke with 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Trevor Keels put up an excellent 19-point performance, but it wasn’t enough for the Blue Devils. Coach K goes out with a loss to his all-time rival.

Prediction/Pick

People are forgetting that North Carolina is an eight-seed. They’ve certainly defied odds over the last month and showed that they belong, but I think that comes to an end on Monday night. The Kansas Jayhawks have marched their way through this tournament so far and I don’t see that stopping. It may be back and forth, but in the end Kansas will come out victorious.

Congratulations Jayhawks – you’re National Champions.

Prediction: Kansas 84 – UNC 74

Side: Kansas -4.5

Total: OVER 153

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @CLNSMedia for the latest up-to-date Boston Sports news!

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The post NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship – Kansas vs. North Carolina – Betting Odds, Preview, and Prediction appeared first on CLNS Media.

Who Will Win Each Region of the NCAA Tournament?

March Madness – Betting Odds and Ends For the Round of 64

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Betting Odds Heading into the Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen West Region – Gonzaga vs. Arkansas and Texas Tech vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen South Region – Michigan vs. Villanova and Arizona vs. Houston – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen Midwest Region – Providence vs. Kansas and Iowa State vs. Miami – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen East Region – St. Peter’s vs. Purdue and North Carolina vs. UCLA – Betting Predictions and Picks

NCAA Men’s Basketball Elite Eight Houston vs. Villanova and Arkansas vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

Updated NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Odds Heading into the Final Four

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four – Villanova vs. Kansas – Betting Odds, Preview, and Prediction

Duke vs. North Carolina – 8:49pm

Odds

Spread: Duke -4

Total: 151.5

Moneyline: Duke -188/UNC +163

Storylines

This one’s the money game. Duke, North Carolina, and a chance to play in a National Championship. It doesn’t get any better than this. On top of this – and tell me if you’ve heard this before – it’s the first time Duke and UNC have ever faced off in the NCAA tournament. Somehow, some way, the biggest rivals in college basketball history have never faced off in the postseason.

Duke is riding high in Coach K’s final season, and it’s pretty much all thanks to Paulo Banchero. Banchero, a projected top five NBA draft pick, has been the anchor for the Blue Devils this season averaging 17.1 points per game. Duke is the current favorite to win the tournament at +145.

North Carolina meanwhile, wasn’t even supposed to be here. An 8-seed in the East region, the Tar Heels made it through Marquette, Baylor, and UCLA before taking down 15-seed Saint Peters 69-49 in the Elite Eight. Head coach Hubert Davis taking UNC to the championship in his first season in Chapel Hill.

Prediction/Pick

I’ve been hot and cold on the Blue Devils during the tournament, but it’s time to buy in. This just feels like a team of destiny in Coach K’s final season. Duke gets past their rival and makes it to their first national championship since 2015.

Prediction: Duke 81 – UNC 75

Side: Duke -4

Total: OVER 151.5

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @CLNSMedia for the latest up-to-date Boston Sports news!

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The post NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four – Duke vs. North Carolina – Betting Odds, Preview, and Prediction appeared first on CLNS Media.

Who Will Win Each Region of the NCAA Tournament?

March Madness – Betting Odds and Ends For the Round of 64

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Betting Odds Heading into the Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen West Region – Gonzaga vs. Arkansas and Texas Tech vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen South Region – Michigan vs. Villanova and Arizona vs. Houston – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen Midwest Region – Providence vs. Kansas and Iowa State vs. Miami – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen East Region – St. Peter’s vs. Purdue and North Carolina vs. UCLA – Betting Predictions and Picks

NCAA Men’s Basketball Elite Eight Houston vs. Villanova and Arkansas vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

Updated NCAA Men’s Basketball Odds Heading into the Final Four

Villanova vs. Kansas – 6:09pm

Odds

Spread: Kansas -4

Total: 132.5

Moneyline: Kansas -190/Villanova +165

Storylines

We have quite the Final Four ahead of us, and it starts with Villanova versus Kansas. We have two storied teams, coaches, and programs set to face off Saturday evening – and by all accounts it shouldn’t disappoint.

The Kansas Jayhawks – led by head coach Bill Self, are 32-6 on the season and have cut through the Midwest region like a hot knife through butter. They beat Texas Southern, Creighton, Providence, and Miami all with relative ease – and have positioned themselves to make it back to their first tournament final since 2012. Guard Ochai Agbaji has led the Jayhawks all season long with 18.9 points per game. They’ll need him to be on his A game if they want to get past Villanova on Saturday.

Speaking of Villanova – the Wildcats and Jay Wright finished their season with a 30-7 record and as the Big East tournament champions. Collin Gillespie must bleed light and dark blue at this point, as the senior has been with the team since 2017 and is looking for his second championship. Gillespie averaged 15.6 points and 3.3 assists for the Wildcats this season.

Prediction/Pick

This game doesn’t have as much buzz as Duke vs. North Carolina – but I think it has the potential to be a better game. These two teams have no reason to believe that Saturday will be the end of their season – they’re both dominant programs who have the capability to win the whole thing.

Ultimately – I think the Jayhawks squeak this one out. Fouling at the end makes it a five point game and Kansas covers the spread.

Prediction: Kansas 75 – Villanova 70

Side: Kansas -4

Total: OVER 132.5

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @CLNSMedia for the latest up-to-date Boston Sports news!

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The post NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four – Villanova vs. Kansas – Betting Odds, Preview, and Prediction appeared first on CLNS Media.

However, it brought us to this coming weekend, where we get four blue bloods matching up for a chance to win a National Championship.

Who Will Win Each Region of the NCAA Tournament?

March Madness – Betting Odds and Ends For the Round of 64

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Betting Odds Heading into the Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen West Region – Gonzaga vs. Arkansas and Texas Tech vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen South Region – Michigan vs. Villanova and Arizona vs. Houston – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen Midwest Region – Providence vs. Kansas and Iowa State vs. Miami – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen East Region – St. Peter’s vs. Purdue and North Carolina vs. UCLA – Betting Predictions and Picks

NCAA Men’s Basketball Elite Eight Houston vs. Villanova and Arkansas vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

The four blue bloods are, of course, Duke, Kansas, Villanova, and North Carolina. Here are their odds to win the tournament heading into Saturday’s Final Four. As always, all odds and NCAA March Madness betting content is powered by our friends at BetOnline.ag:

Odds to Win the Tournament

Duke                          +140

Kansas                      +190

North Carolina        +475

Villanova                  +500

There’s been a lot of talk about the coaches in this tournament. Saint Peter’s Shaheen Holloway made a name for himself with the Peacocks, Kansas’ Bill Self and Villanova’s Jay Wright are back in the Final Four, and – of course – it’s Coach K’s final season coaching the Duke Blue Devils.

However, it’s the players that make this whole thing happen. Here are BetOnline’s odds on who will win the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award:

Most Outstanding Player

Paulo Banchero                    +250

Ochai Agbaji                          +400

Collin Gillespie                     +900

Jermaine Samuels               +900

Armando Bacot                   +1000

Remy Martin                        +1000

AJ Griffin                              +2000

Brady Manek                       +2000

Caleb Love                            +2000

Christian Braun                   +2000

Jeremy Roach                     +2500

Mark Williams                     +2500

Fabian White Jr.                 +4000

Caleb Daniels                      +5000

R.J. Davis                             +5000

Wendell Moore Jr.             +5000

Duke’s Paulo Banchero (+250) is the best player still standing. If the Blue Devils win it all, he’s almost certain to win the award. However there are plenty of long shots on the board that can win MOP – so long as Duke doesn’t win.

Villanova’s Collin Gillespie (+900), Kansas’ Remy Martin (+1000), and UNC’s Brady Manek (+2000), are my favorite bets for the teams outside of Duke. These three players are all capable of having a monster weekend to lead their teams to a championship, and would be completely deserving of the Most Outstanding Player award.

Keep it here on CLNSMedia.com all week for betting previews and predictions for both Final Four games and Monday’s championship game.

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @CLNSMedia for the latest up-to-date Boston Sports news!

Also, be sure to check out our new sports betting Twitter account @CLNSBetting for all the latest odds and content from CLNS Media.

Use code CLNS50 for 50% off your first deposit at Betonline.ag.

The post Updated NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Odds Heading into the Final Four appeared first on CLNS Media.

Who Will Win Each Region of the NCAA Tournament?

March Madness – Betting Odds and Ends For the Round of 64

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Betting Odds Heading into the Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen West Region – Gonzaga vs. Arkansas and Texas Tech vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen South Region – Michigan vs. Villanova and Arizona vs. Houston – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen Midwest Region – Providence vs. Kansas and Iowa State vs. Miami – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen East Region – St. Peter’s vs. Purdue and North Carolina vs. UCLA – Betting Predictions and Picks

NCAA Men’s Basketball Elite Eight Houston vs. Villanova and Arkansas vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

And here are my previews and predictions for Friday’s East Region games with odds – as always –  from BetOnline.ag:

Kansas vs. Miami – 2:20pm

Odds

Spread: Kansas -6

Total: 147.5

Moneyline: Kansas -260/Miami +220

Storylines

Kansas avoided a serious scare against Providence on Friday night, beating the Friars 66-61. The Jayhawks held Providence to just 17 first half points, but a 25-11 second half run gave the Friars a lead before Kansas ultimately got the job done. Remy Martin led the way for Kansas with 23 points.

The Jayhawks will take on the Miami Hurricanes, the 10-seed in the Midwest who has gotten through USC, Auburn, and Iowa State on their way to their first Elite Eight in program history. Though I have touted the ACC all tournament, the Big 12’s Kansas Jayhawks will be the Hurricanes biggest test all season.

Prediction/Pick

Miami’s run stops here. Kansas is too good. Bill Self get’s the Jayhawks to their first Final Four since 2018.

Prediction: Kansas 68 – Miami 58

Side: Kansas -6

Total: UNDER 147.5

North Carolina vs. Saint Peter’s – 5:05pm

Odds

Spread: UNC -8

Total: 137

Moneyline: UNC -360/Saint Peter’s +290

Storylines

Yup – they did it again. The Saint Peter’s Peacocks rattled off yet another victory and have made in to the Elite Eight, the first time a 15-seed has done this in the history of the tournament. They took down Purdue 67-64 on Friday night, with guard Daryl Banks III leading the way with 14 points. Coach Holloway’s team held Purdue’s 7’4″ center Zach Edey to just 11 points and NBA prospect Jaden Ivey to just 9.

Their opponent for Sunday? The North Carolina Tar Heels. UNC took down UCLA on Friday night behind guard Caleb Love’s dominant second half performance. Love went 6 for 13 from the 3-point line and scored 25 of his 28 points in the second half. The Tar Heels finished the game on a 12-2 run over the final two minutes – cementing themselves into the Elite Eight for the first time since 2017.

Prediction/Pick

It’s getting harder and harder to pick against Saint Peter’s, but the Cinderella story has to end at some point. The ACC is the best conference in college basketball, and unfortunately I think UNC is too big of a task for the Peacocks.

They’ll fight again and cover the spread, but the Tar Heels get themselves back to the Final Four.

Prediction: UNC 75 – Saint Peter’s 70

Side: Saint Peter’s +8

Total: OVER 137

Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @CLNSMedia for the latest up-to-date Boston Sports news!

Also, be sure to check out our new sports betting Twitter account @CLNSBetting for all the latest odds and content from CLNS Media.

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The post NCAA Men’s Basketball Elite Eight – Kansas vs. Miami and North Carolina vs. Saint Peter’s – Betting Predictions and Picks appeared first on CLNS Media.

Who Will Win Each Region of the NCAA Tournament?

March Madness – Betting Odds and Ends For the Round of 64

NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Betting Odds Heading into the Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen West Region – Gonzaga vs. Arkansas and Texas Tech vs. Duke – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen South Region – Michigan vs. Villanova and Arizona vs. Houston – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen Midwest Region – Providence vs. Kansas and Iowa State vs. Miami – Betting Predictions and Picks

Sweet Sixteen East Region – St. Peter’s vs. Purdue and North Carolina vs. UCLA – Betting Predictions and Picks

And here are my previews and predictions for Saturday’s Elite Eight games with odds – as always –  from BetOnline.ag:

Houston vs. Villanova – 6:09pm

Odds

Spread: Houston -2

Total: 128

Moneyline: Houston -138/Villanova +118

Storylines

Houston and Villanova will face off Saturday night from the AT&T Center in San Antonio for the chance to reach the Final Four.

For Houston, it would be their second Final Four in as many years. The Cougars have won six in a row, and have won all three of their tournament games by 12+ points. Guard Kyler Edwards led Houston with 14.1 point per game this season, but is averaging just under 20 in the tournament. They’ll need to ride Edward’s offense if they want to move on.

For Villanova, it would be their third Final Four appearance since 2016 – and head coach Jay Wright’s fourth as the coach of the Wildcats. Nova is led by senior Collin Gilespie – who I mentioned in January is making a case for himself to play in the NBA:

Villanova is 15-5 on the year and is currently ranked 14th in the country. Senior guard Collin Gillespie leads the Wildcats in scoring averaging 17.2 points per game – and could be making a case for himself to be a late second-round draft pick in April’s NBA draft.

Prediction/Pick

This game is going to be grinded out by both teams. The experience of Villanova mixed with Houston’s tenacious defense will make it appointment television on Saturday.

I ultimately think experience prevails, and Villanova gets back to the Final Four.

Prediction: Villanova 60 – Houston 58

Side: Villanova +2

Total: UNDER 128

Arkansas vs. Duke – 8:49pm

Odds

Spread: Duke -3.5

Total: 146

Moneyline: Duke -175/Arkansas -155

Storylines

Arkansas and Duke are both coming off of monster victories against Gonzaga and Texas Tech respectively – and are steamrolling their way to a Final Four birth.

The Razorbacks took down the number one team in the country on Thursday night, beating Spokane’s greatest 74-68. They held Gonzaga’s Chet Holgren to just 11 points and forced him to foul out towards the end of the game, essentially sealing the deal for them. Drew Timme put up 25 for the Bulldogs, but it wasn’t enough and Arkansas came out victorious.

Duke and Texas Tech followed this up with a barn burner that went down to the wire. Down four at half – Duke cut the deficit before going on a 7-0 late in the second half to ultimately sealed the deal. NBA draft prospect Paulo Banchero led the Blue Devils with 22 points in the win, extending Coach K’s career by at least one more game.

Prediction/Pick

I expect another hard fought Elite Eight matchup from Arkansas and Duke, and coach Muss and the Razorbacks feel like the perfect villain to ruin Coach K’s retirement tour.

Unfortunately, it feels like destiny that the Blue Devils continue on and get back to the Final Four for the first time since 2015.

Prediction: Duke 78 – Arkansas 76

Side: Arkansas +3.5

Total: OVER 146

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