3 Picks, Predictions for Sunday’s NCAA Tournament | Best Bets

It’s the pinnacle of college basketball excitement—March Madness! After an exhilarating start to the tournament in the first round, the action hasn’t let up in the second round. Sunday, March 22, promises more thrilling matchups and ample betting opportunities. This article will spotlight our best bets against the spread for a jam-packed day of NCAA tournament action.

Note: All odds and lines are courtesy of bet365 and are subject to change after the publication of this article.

St. Mary’s +5.5 Alabama

(7) Saint Mary’s vs (2) Alabama

• Arena: Rocket Arena
• Location: Cleveland, OH
• Date: Sunday, March 23
• Where to Watch: TNT
• Time: 6:10 p.m. ET
• Spread: Alabama -5.5 | Total: 149.5
• Moneyline: ALA -245 | SMC +200
• SportsGrid Matchup Page

We saw some incredible resilience from Saint Mary’s against Vanderbilt in the opening round, storming back from a double-digit deficit to move into the Round of 32. A key aspect is that the Gaels could really slow down the Crimson Tide and frustrate them with their snail-like pace. This is a stark contrast in tempo, with Saint Mary’s at 360th in the nation while Alabama holds the top spot. It could become awkward for Alabama, so we’ll take the points from Saint Mary’s as a team that may be slightly disrespected here as the lesser-known commodity.

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Maryland -8 vs. Colorado State

(12) Colorado St. vs (4) Maryland

• Arena: Climate Pledge Arena
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Date: Sunday, March 23
• Where to Watch: TBS
• Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
• Spread: Maryland -8 | Total: 144
• Moneyline: MD -370 | CSU +290
• SportsGrid Matchup Page

There may not be a starting lineup with more talent and chemistry in college hoops right now than the Maryland Terrapins. They demolished a capable Grand Canyon side in the first round and have ascended to just outside the top ten in KenPom. They possess the length and size to stop Colorado State’s Nique Clifford, while the Rams don’t seem to have an answer for Derik Queen’s ability in the paint on their roster. There are too many advantages for the Terps so that we will lay it with the favorites here.

Michigan State -7 vs. New Mexico

(10) New Mexico vs (2) Michigan St.

• Arena: Rocket Arena
• Location: Cleveland, OH
• Date: Sunday, March 23
• Where to Watch: TNT
• Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
• Spread: MSU -7.5 | Total: 148.5
• Moneyline: MSU -330 | UNM +265
• SportsGrid Matchup Page

We continue our fade of the Mountain West with New Mexico on Sunday night as they take on Michigan State in the bottom of the South Region. The Lobos pulled away from Marquette in a tight one on Friday night, notching their first NCAA Tournament win in over a decade. The Spartans will be a far taller task, a team with physicality and defense among the likes they have not seen yet this year. While Donovan Dent will likely get his production going, we are concerned about the chances of his teammates being able to do enough to pull off the upset. Lay it with Sparty and continue to fade the MWC at every opportunity as we advance.

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