Ross Benjamin

Kansas vs. Auburn 9:40 PM ET

Game# 849-850

Play On: Auburn -2.0 (10*)

Although Kansas was extremely impressive in their blowout win over Northeastern on Thursday, I haven’t been crazy about this 2018-2019 Jayhawks team, and especially when not playing on their home floor.

Survive and advance appropriately fits Auburn’s opening round game after escaping with a narrow 1-point win over New Mexico State. Speaking of New Mexico State, that’s the same Aggies team that gave Kansas all they can handle during a 3-point loss in early December and entered the NCAA Tournament on a 19-game win streak. Auburn has gone an eye-catching 8-1 straight up this season when playing at a neutral site, and their only defeat came by 6-points against 2019 NCAA Tournament #1 overall seed Duke. Bet on Auburn minus the small number for a 10* Top Play wager.

Villanova vs. Purdue 8:40 PM ET

Game# 837-838

Play On: Purdue -3.5 (5*)

St. Mary’s gave Villanova all they can handle in the opening round before falling 61-57 to the defending champs. It’s been quite apparent for quite some time now that this isn’t the same Villanova team which has captured 2 of the last 3 national championships. The Wildcats finished their regular season slate by going 3-6. They did win the Big East Tournament but 2 of their 3 wins came against teams not participating in this season’s Big Dance, and the other was by a slim 2-point margin over Seton Hall.

Purdue has gone 17-4 in their last 21 games and entered the NCAA Tournament well rested after being upset in the Big 10 Tournament quarterfinals by Minnesota. As a matter of fact, all 4 of their losses during that previous 21-game stretch came against teams in the 68-team field. The Boilermakers are very good defensively and have held 6 of their last 9 opponents to less than 40% shooting. They will be facing a Villanova team today that has shot 41% or worse in 7 of its last 10 games. Bet on Purdue minus the points for a 5* wager.

Baylor vs. Gonzaga 7:10 PM ET

Game# 851-852

Play On: Baylor +14.5 (5*)

I’m not going to waste mine or your time trying to conjure up ways to poke holes in Gonzaga’s resume. Quite frankly, the Bulldogs have very little if any weaknesses.

Baylor has gone a very profitable 11-4-1 ATS as an underdog this season. As a matter of fact, the Bears have gone an even better 7-1-1 ATS as an underdog of 3.0-point or more. Today will be far and away the biggest underdog that Baylor has been all season. Their previous high was as a 10.0-point underdog at Iowa State when the Bears walked off with a 73-69 upset win. It’s also worth noting, Baylor is 8-1 straight up during the past 2 seasons when playing their 2nd game in 3 days.

Baylor has also recorded 7 wins this season against teams that made this year’s NCAA Tournament. Conversely, Gonzaga was just 4-3 versus teams in the 68-team field while going a perfect 27-0 versus those that failed to make it. Bet on Baylor plus the points for a 5* wager.

Wofford vs. Kentucky 2:40 PM ET

Game# 843-844

Play On: Wofford +6.0 (5*)

Kentucky will once again be without P.J. Washington (foot) due to injury. Washington averages 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The Wildcats didn’t miss him in the first round against an outmanned Abilene Christian team. However, Wofford will present a much tougher challenge.

Wofford won’t be in awe of Kentucky or intimidated by the bright lights. Personally, I didn’t think they played their best against Seton Hall on Thursday but still walked off with a decisive 14-point win. Wofford is 30-4 this season and 3 of their only losses came against Kansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State who were all part of the 68-team NCAA Tournament field. Wofford also won at South Carolina by 20. The Terriers have won 21 games in a row and have covered 8 straight contests. Wofford is one of the best shooting teams in the country and is 30-1 this season when they shoot 40% or better. Bet on Wofford plus the points for a 5* wager.

Arkansas @ Indiana 12:00 PM ET

Game# 853-854

Play On: Indiana -5.0 (5*)

Indiana lost at Arkansas 73-72 earlier this season and did so as a 3.5-point favorite. The Hoosiers won their NIT opening round game by a score of 89-72 over St. Francis (Pa.) and managed to cover as a 16.0-point favorite. This sets up a very favorable betting angle supporting the favorite Hoosiers which is illustrated below.

Any college basketball favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points (Indiana) that’s playing with same season revenge stemming from and away favorite straight up loss, and they’re coming off a cover as a double-digit favorite, resulted in those favorites going 32-10 ATS (76.2%) during the past 5 seasons. Bet on Indiana minus the points for a 5* wager.