SIGN UP: Get the best player prop and game betting projections at BetAlytics. Use code "JUICE" for a special promo rate.
Your bracket is bleeding — profusely. It’s time to regain pool investments lost. In an attempt to offer a helping hand, Brad Evans reassess NCAA Tournament futures with the Sweet 16 set. Below is the market that has his attention in the South Region.
The pick — Michigan State to make the Final Four (+260, BetMGM)
Shredded, ripped, waded, rolled, smoked — no matter the preferred method employed, your bracket is officially toast.
Still, angling for a proper sweat? The betting markets graciously have you covered.
Blaring Outkast in the dirty South, Michigan State remains this bettor’s pick to click.
The Spartans tasted sweetness by blasting No. 15 seed Bryant by 25 and beating Younger Pitino’s New Mexico Lobos 71-63 after outscoring them 42-32 after halftime.
Second-half surges have been a staple throughout the year for Tom Izzo’s club and explain why MSU is No. 5 overall at 25-10 against the spread. The Spartans are covering machines, especially when firing off live wagers at opportune times.
Over the last month, keg stands have frequently occurred at the Sparty Party.
Featuring a stiff defense and terrific glass command, Michigan State has been a proven moneymaker. Over that nine-game stretch, it ranks No. 30 nationally in effective field goal percentage D, surrendering only 52.9% shooting on 2-pointers and 23.4% on 3s. During that time, the Spartans also posted the fifth-best defensive rebounding percentage of any team in the college game.
Naysayers have steadily verbalized their disdain for the Green and White offense. No, vintage Shawn Respert hasn’t rejoined the squad, but Michigan State has shot the ball more successfully from outside.
Over the last 30 days, the Spartans are netting a respectable 35.1% from distance. Thank you, Jase Richardson. That exterior effort and the around-the-rim contributions from Jaxon Kohler, Szymon Zapala and Carson Cooper suggest MSU is better than its No. 150-plus eFG% offense ranking may indicate.
A slight favorite (-2.5) over Ole Miss in the Round of 16, the Spartans should escape to the Elite 8. The overachieving Rebels check in at No. 321 in eFG% defense since late February.
If that victory comes true, a date with either Auburn or archrival Michigan awaits. The Tigers — featuring a suddenly crackable defense — are the weakest No. 1 seed remaining. As for the Wolverines, State defeated them by 13 and 17 points in the regular season.
Doubling down at substantial plus money, Tre Holloman and homies are a buyable chase to reach San Antonio.
WagerWire's Favorite Things from this Creator:
More: of Brad's Free Picks and Strategies
More Content: The Gaming Juice
We love The Gaming Juice, Check them out!