NCAAB · 6 months ago

Picking a Winner for Every 2025 College Basketball Conference Tournament

David Connelly

Host · Writer

Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament: March 7-10

CONNELLY'S PICK: FURMAN +800 (Eliminated)

Head coach Bob Richey has proven that he is a miracle worker, which has shown at times this season. The Paladins swept Chattanooga this season and ended the regular season with a win at Wofford. They still have a few pieces from the team that reached the tournament two years ago, and that level of experience is unmatched this time of year. Take the big number here and ride with Furman.

Championship Game: Wofford 92, Furman 85
Big East Conference: March 12-15
Predicting Every Game of the 2025 Big East Tournament

BIG EAST TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

St. John's: +145
Connecticut: +400
Creighton: +400
Marquette: +550
Xavier: +850
Villanova: +1500
Butler: +8000
Georgetown: +10000
Providence: +15000
DePaul: +25000
CONNELLY'S PICK: XAVIER (+850)

As dominant as St. John's has been at the top of the Big East, there lacks that fear factor among the conference's elites this year. Perhaps it's time for a bid thief to emerge inside Madison Square Garden this week? Enter Xavier, a team that was largely forgotten about amidst the mediocrity of the middle of the Big East, sitting at 6-7 in early February. The Musketeers ripped off seven straight to close the regular season, earning themselves a spot in the quarterfinals. They have been the best team in the league per Bart Torvik's T-Rank since the start of February and are a great flyer to add to your bet slip.
Southeast Conference (SEC): March 12-16
Predicting the 2025 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament

SEC TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Auburn: +155
Florida: +250
Alabama: +450
Tennessee: +550
Kentucky: +2200
Texas A&M: +2500
Missouri: +3000
Ole Miss: +6500
Mississippi State: +10000
Arkansas: +15000
Georgia: +20000
Oklahoma: +25000
Texas: +25000
Vanderbilt: +25000
LSU: +30000
South Carolina: +50000
CONNELLY'S PICK: AUBURN (+155)

Yes, the Tigers have looked slightly vulnerable over the past week. But it will take more than two shaky performances to close out the season for us to jump ship. It could be posed as a perfect wake-up call for a team that may have gotten a bit too comfortable during their streak of 27 wins across 29 games. While the field is as stacked as any conference tournament in America this year, we will still take the bait on plus money for the best team in the country this week.
Big Ten Conference: March 12-16
BIG TEN TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Michigan State: +250
Maryland: +400
Illinois: +650
Purdue: +650
Wisconsin: +650
UCLA: +700
Michigan: +1400
Oregon: +2200
Indiana: +5000
Ohio State: +6000
Northwestern: +25000
USC: +25000
Iowa: +30000
Minnesota: +50000
CONNELLY'S PICK: PURDUE (+650)

On the surface, Purdue's recent 2-5 stretch looks like a team reeling as they enter postseason play. But if you dig a bit deeper, four of those losses came against teams projected to be five seeds or higher in the NCAA Tournament. They also handled a strong UCLA team and poured in a century of points against Rutgers. We are not panicking one bit about the Boilermakers, and we will buy the dip with the hopes of Matt Painter finding a winning formula yet again in the Big Ten Tourney.
Big 12 Conference: March 11-15
2025 Big 12 Men's CBB Tournament Preview, Futures Bets

BIG 12 TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Houston: -105

Texas Tech: +400

Iowa State: +600

Arizona: +800

BYU: +1200

Kansas: +1200

Baylor: +4000

West Virginia: +8000

Cincinnati: +17500

Kansas State: +20000

Central Florida: +25000

TCU: +25000

Utah: +25000

Arizona State: +30000

Oklahoma State: +30000

Colorado: +50000

CONNELLY'S PICK: HOUSTON (-105)

It's boring, it isn't sexy, but I'm tired of trying to pretend Houston isn't a perennial national powerhouse. While everyone talks about Auburn, Duke, and others, head coach Kelvin Sampson and his Cougars will continue dominating one of the sport's toughest conferences. He has led the program to an unprecedented 34-4 record in the Big 12 since joining at the start of last season, and they seem to be getting better as the season progresses. The most convincing reason to take Houston is how impossible it becomes to pick a winner if the Cougs are eliminated. You may as well close your eyes and click anywhere on the screen at that point. Ride with the favorites at a price that can virtually double your wager.
Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC): March 11-15
2025 ACC Men's CBB Tournament Preview, Futures Bets

ACC TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Duke: -330

Louisville: +550

Clemson: +700

North Carolina: +2800

SMU: +6500

Wake Forest: +8000

Florida State: +25000

Georgia Tech: +25000

Pittsburgh: +25000

Stanford: +25000

Virginia: +25000

Notre Dame: +30000

Syracuse: +30000

Virginia Tech: +30000

California: +40000

CONNELLY'S PICK: CLEMSON (+700)

After losing some serious talent from last season's roster, it was fully expected that Clemson would take a step back in the 2024-25 season. The Tigers didn't get the memo because they reside at 19th in KenPom, the exact spot they finished last season. They have ripped off 14 wins in their previous 15 games, the lone loss coming in a puzzling triple-overtime performance at home to Georgia Tech. They bounced right back by handing Duke their third loss of the entire season, proving they can hang with the Blue Devils. They sit eighth in Bart Torvik's T-Rank since the start of February, and we love that they are on the opposite side of the bracket than Duke.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC): March 12-15
10 CBB Upsets to Watch This Week

MEAC TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Norfolk State: +100

South Carolina State: +130

Howard: +1400

Delaware State: +1600

North Carolina Central: +1600

Morgan State: +3500

Coppin State: +25000

Maryland Eastern Shore: +25000

CONNELLY'S PICK: SOUTH CAROLINA STATE (+130)

South Carolina State has been on an absolute tear in the past month. Their only loss since February came on the first of that month when they fell on the road to Norfolk State in a two-point overtime loss. Since then, they have ripped off nine straight victories entering the tournament, including a revenge victory on their home floor over Norfolk State. Back the Bulldogs to keep the momentum and come out on top in the MEAC Tournament.
Mountain West Conference (MWC): March 12-15
10 CBB Upsets to Watch This Week

MWC TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

New Mexico: +250

Colorado State: +350

Utah State: +375

Boise State: +450

San Diego State: +600

UNLV: +1600

Nevada: +2200

San Jose State: +15000

Wyoming: +20000

Fresno State: +30000

Air Force: +35000

CONNELLY'S PICK: SAN DIEGO STATE (+600)

With such a tightly contested race at the top of the field, we will side with experience and a defense that should travel to Vegas. San Diego State boasts the 12th-best defense in the nation per KenPom as they utilize their elite height and shot-blocking to make every attempt a nightmare for the opponent. With a combined 3-1 record against first-round opponent Boise State and potential semifinal foe New Mexico, we love their path to a conference tournament championship.
Big West Conference: March 12-15
NCAA Tournament Bubble Watch Daily

BIG WEST TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

UC San Diego: -165

UC Irvine: +180

Cal State Northridge: +1200

UC Riverside: +1800

UC Santa Barbara: +4000

Cal Poly SLO: +10000

UC Davis: +20000

Cal State Bakersfield: +30000
CONNELLY'S PICK: UC SAN DIEGO (-165)

The Tritons feel like a team of destiny this season, and despite the hefty juice, we do not want to get in their way. At 28-4 on the season and inside the top 40 in KenPom, they are flirting with at-large consideration but would like to get things done the old-fashioned way and avoid any drama on Selection Sunday. The only team that could conceivably pick them off would be UC Irvine, the Big West's perennial powerhouse that snatched a victory off UC San Diego back in early January. We don't see that result repeating, so we'll back UCSD to cut down the nets.
Atlantic 10 Conference (A10): March 12-16
NCAA Tournament Bubble Watch Daily

ATLANTIC 10 TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

VCU: -115
Dayton: +450
George Mason: +600
Saint Joseph's: +800
Loyola Chicago: +1800
Saint Louis: +1800
George Washington: +2500
St. Bonaventure: +2800
Duquesne: +7500
Davidson: +8000
Rhode Island: +10000
Massachusetts: +25000
Fordham: +30000
La Salle: +30000
Richmond: +30000
CONNELLY'S PICK: VCU (-115)

It's another favorite, but VCU has quietly been playing like one of the best teams in the country lately. The Rams rank 14th in Bart Torvik's T-Rank since the start of February, a timetable that typically filters in the previous ten games a team has played to show some momentum entering conference tournament play. It is reflected in the price, but they have been simply unstoppable, aside from a home slip-up to close out the regular season against Dayton. Back the league's hottest and best team entering this week's action in Brooklyn.
American Athletic Conference (AAC): March 12-16
BET365 PROMO CODE – FIRST BET SAFETY NET $1000 IN BONUS BETS

AAC TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Memphis: +100
North Texas: +210
UAB: +650
Florida Atlantic: +1200
Tulane: +1800
Wichita State: +3000
Temple: +3500
East Carolina: +5000
Texas San Antonio: +8000
South Florida: +12500
Rice: +15000
Tulsa: +25000
Charlotte: +50000
CONNELLY'S PICK: UAB (+600)

This Blazers offense can catch fire in any game and absolutely blow their opponent off the court. They rank in the top 40 nationally in offensive efficiency per KenPom and are complete menaces on the offensive glass. Those second-chance points and overall grinder mentality can really eat at opponents, especially in these high-leverage matchups like conference tournaments. Andy Kennedy has done an incredible job at UAB, and we'll trust him to pull off a masterclass at the AAC Tournament.
Conference USA (C-USA): March 11-15
Shoot your shot! Cash in with our four- and five-star College Basketball Picks and buzzer-beating Player Props.

CONFERENCE USA TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Liberty: +115

Middle Tennessee: +600

New Mexico State: +600

Jacksonville State: +800

Louisiana Tech: +900

Kennesaw State: +1100

Western Kentucky: +2000

UTEP: +2500

Sam Houston State: +5000

Florida Intl: +20000

CONNELLY'S PICK: LIBERTY +110

Liberty feels head and shoulders above the rest of the league when it comes to both coaching staff and personnel. Head coach Ritchie McKay has the Flames firing on all cylinders entering the postseason, sitting just outside of the top 60 in KenPom nationally as a perennial mid-major powerhouse. Within the past month, they have also taken down their biggest competitors in Middle Tennessee, Jacksonville State, and New Mexico State. We're surprised they are being offered at plus money, so it feels right to take advantage.
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC): March 11-15

MAAC TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Merrimack: +240

Quinnipiac: +300

Iona: +600

Manhattan: +600

Mount St. Mary's: +900

Marist: +1100

Sacred Heart: +1200

Siena: +1600

Rider: +4000

Fairfield: +7500

CONNELLY'S PICK: MERRIMACK (+240)

The postseason can often come down to one thing: Do you have the studs that can will you over the finish line in a game where you must win? Merrimack has that stud, and his name is Budd Clark. Time and time again, the Warriors have looked lost, mainly on the offensive side, and needed a bucket at a crucial time. Clark has been there to deliver as someone who ranks inside the top 20 nationally in points per game, taking home KenPom MVP in eight of their previous 12 games. He could completely take over proceedings down in Atlantic City and become an overnight star in the world of mid-major college hoops.
Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC): March 11-15

SWAC TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Southern: +170

Jackson State: +300

Bethune Cookman +650

Texas Southern: +700

Alabama State: +750

Alcorn State: +1200

Florida A&M: +2000

Grambling State: +3300

Prairie View A&M: +20000

Alabama A&M: +25000

CONNELLY'S PICK: TEXAS SOUTHERN (+700)

In a league that feels like a true toss-up at the top with five teams between 12 and 15 wins in the regular season, we will side with experience, coaching, and depth to bring us through this postseason. That's exactly what Texas Southern has with head coach Johnny Jones seeking his fifth NCAA Tournament appearance in five seasons and a team that, as always, faced a gauntlet of a non-conference schedule to gear up for conference play. It's a proven method that has worked time and time again for Jones, who currently boasts the top defense in the conference, something that has always seemed to travel well for his teams to Atlanta.
Western Athletic Conference (WAC): March 11-15

WAC TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

Grand Canyon: +130

Utah Valley: +240

Seattle: +500

California Baptist: +600

Abilene Christian: +1800

UT Arlington: +2800

Tarleton State: +7500

Utah Tech: +15000

Southern Utah: +25000

CONNELLY'S PICK: UTAH VALLEY (+240)

The injury to Grand Canyon star Tyon Grant-Foster has us weary of picking the Lopes to cut down the nets this weekend. The senior missed five consecutive games to close out the regular season due to an ankle injury, and while it sounds like he should be back in time for the WAC Tournament, it's hard to imagine he will be at full health. That opens the door for other contenders, and we'll rock with Utah Valley to take advantage. The Wolverines have just one loss since December 18, a stretch of 19 games! That lone defeat was to Grand Canyon, but they split their regular season contests. Fade the potentially notable injury here for GCU and back Utah Valley to punch their ticket.
Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament: March 7-11

CAA TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365 (Updated 3.11)

UNC Wilmington: -400

Delaware: +320

CONNELLY'S PICK: HAMPTON +2500 (Eliminated)

Continuing with the trend of picking hot teams, we are backing long-shot Hampton to cut down the nets in the CAA. They are the only team in the league that sits inside the top 100 nationally since the start of February on Bart Torvik's T-Rank, including a massive win over UNC Wilmington just two weeks back. They could be playing their best ball at the right time, making them an appropriate flyer.
Patriot League: March 8-12

PATRIOT LEAGUE TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

American: n/a

Navy: n/a

CONNELLY'S PICK: BUCKNELL -150 (Eliminated)

We will lay the juice with a team on fire in the back half of the season. The Bison have won ten of their previous 11 games but barely avoided disaster against Loyola Maryland on Thursday night with an overtime victory at home. We won't let that scare us off the favorites, who are miles ahead of the field in metrics over the past month. Back the Bison to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.
America East: March 8, 11, 15

AMERICA EAST TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365 (Updated 3.11)

Bryant: -170

Vermont: +220

Maine: +750

Albany: +1800

CONNELLY'S PICK: VERMONT +180

We refuse to fade the mid-major powerhouse that is Vermont under head coach John Becker. The Catamounts have ripped off nine straight victories since the start of February, a common trend for Becker teams as he learns his roster composition and rotation throughout the first half of the season through trial and error. Plus, they already took care of Bryant late last month in a 59-55 triumph, where they took Bryant out of their tempo and frustrated them on offense. Back the experience and leadership of Vermont to prevail in March.
Southland Conference: March 9-12

SOUTHLAND TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365 (Updated 3.11)

McNeese State: -550

Lamar: +800

Nicholls State: +850

Northwestern State: +3000

CONNELLY'S PICK: LAMAR +900

As straightforward as this is McNeese's bid to lose for the second consecutive season, it's honestly ridiculous to lay a price like that on a team in a single-elimination tournament. So, we will ride with their biggest challengers in Lamar. The Cardinals came incredibly close to upsetting McNeese just last weekend, blowing a halftime lead at home to the Cowboys but putting up a good fight. They wouldn't face the Pokes until the final in this tournament, where you would have a great price on your hands entering the big game.
Big Sky Conference: March 6-12

BIG SKY TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365 (Updated 3.11)

Northern Colorado: +130

Montana: +160

Montana State: +400

Idaho: +1100

CONNELLY'S PICK: MONTANA +210

Montana has been an absolute wagon as of late. The Grizzlies have won 11 of their previous 12 games and, according to Bart Torvik's T-Rank, have been the best team in the league since the start of that run on January 18. The odds don't seem to reflect how trendy Montana currently is, so we'll take advantage and back them at this solid price to punch their ticket into the NCAA Tournament.
West Coast Conference (WCC) Tournament: March 6-11

WEST COAST TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365 (Updated 3.11)

Gonzaga: -170

Saint Mary's: +145

CONNELLY'S PICK: SAN FRANCISCO +1700 (Eliminated)

They say a hungry dog runs faster, and that's the line of thinking we are taking here with backing San Francisco. The Dons are just on the outside looking in for most bracket projections currently, so it'll likely take the automatic bid for them to reach the Big Dance. They find themselves on the opposite side of the bracket as metric darling Gonzaga, so we'll take a swing at them at this juicy number.
Northeast Conference (NEC): March 5, 8, 11

NORTHEAST TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365 (Updated 3.11)

Central Connecticut State -650

Saint Francis PA +475

CONNELLY'S PICK: CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE -240

It's another chalk selection, but it's truly remarkable what head coach Patrick Sellers is doing with the CCSU program. Just a few years ago, the Blue Devils were the laughingstock of college basketball. The program was constantly mailing in seasons with single-digit wins and finishing outside of KenPom's top 300. Sellers has completely shifted the culture at the program to the point where many are wondering if he will be poached by a bigger program in the offseason. Something special is brewing in New Britain for Central Connecticut State, and we don't see it coming off the tracks this week, especially with the league's home-court advantage throughout the postseason.
Horizon League: March 4, 6, 10-11

HORIZON LEAGUE TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365 (Updated 3.11)

Robert Morris 1180

Youngstown State +150

CONNELLY'S PICK: ROBERT MORRIS +250

We'll take things chalk in the Horizon this year. Bobby Mo has been a consistent force in the Horizon League all throughout conference play, with 13 wins in their previous 14 games and their only loss coming on the road against a solid Wright State squad. Kam Woods, a member of last year's NC State team that reached the Final Four, has been their standout star and could make a name for himself in March.
Ohio Valley Conference (OVC): March 5-8

CONNELLY'S PICK: SE MISSOURI STATE +150 (Eliminated)

There will be spots where sleepers and dark horses will show value, but the Ohio Valley isn't typically one of those spots. xWith the top two seeds starting off all the way in the semifinals, it's best to back a favorite here, and we'll do so with Southeast Missouri. The Redhawks have won 10 of their previous 11 games and rank top 100 in the nation in minutes continuity with head coach Brad Korn leading them to yet another historic season for the program.

Championship Game: SIU Edwardsville 69, SE Missouri State 48
Missouri Valley Conference (MVC): March 6-9

CONNELLY'S PICK: DRAKE +115 (Winner)

We are thoroughly surprised to see Drake at a plus-money price here. The Bulldogs are in contention for an at-large bid with just three defeats on their resumé, and they have utterly dominated this league to a 17-3 record. It's remarkable what head coach Ben McCollum has been able to do in his first season at the Division I level, and we don't see it stopping at Arch Madness. Back the league's clear favorite to make it back to the tournament for the fourth time in five seasons.

Championship Game: Drake 63, Bradley 48
Big South: March 5, 7-9

CONNELLY'S PICK: HIGH POINT -250 (Winner)

It's unfinished business for head coach Alan Huss and High Point, who return a boatload of last season's minutes from a team that dominated in the regular season, only to be stunned by Longwood in the semifinals on their home court last year in the Big South Tournament. We see this group and coaching staff as far too talented to let that repeat, and there just isn't enough talent around the league to keep up with the Panthers for 40 minutes.

Championship Game: High Point 81, Winthrop 69
Summit League: March 5-9

CONNELLY'S PICK: DENVER +5000 (Eliminated)

After ripping off a pair of chalk picks, let's have some fun here. Denver is the second-worst price in the Summit to win the league's auto bid. Despite this, they rank third in the league since February 1st, according to Bart Torvik's T-Rank. They are top 70 nationally in defense during that span, and just capped off the season with a stunner at home over league favorites South Dakota State, who have looked vulnerable in recent weeks. They could get the Jackrabbits again in the semifinals, and we know they have their number. Take a flyer here on the Pioneers.

Championship Game: Omaha 85, St. Thomas-Minnesota 75
Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Tournament: March 2-3, 6, 9

CONNELLY'S PICK: NORTH ALABAMA +240 (Eliminated)

Having already downed league favorite Lipscomb once this season, North Alabama is a great non-favorite to add to your bet slip among the conference tournament picks. Head coach Tony Pujol has built tremendous vibes at the program over the past few years and has a well-rounded lineup with five players averaging double-digits.

Championship Game: Lipscomb 76, North Alabama
Sun Belt: March 4-10

CONNELLY'S PICK: James Madison +375 (Eliminated)

James Madison avoids the Arkansas State side of the bracket and only has to win two games in order to claim the title? We'll take that and back the Dukes. Head coach Preston Spradlin coached his butt off at Morehead State, and he continues to do so at JMU. Keep an eye on Mark Freeman, a star senior guard that followed Spradlin to James Madison from Morehead State after missing the entire 2023-24 season due to injury. He has been the leader for the Dukes and has the ability to take over any game he is in.

Championship Game: Troy 94, Arkansas State 81
Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament: March 7-10

CONNELLY'S PICK: FURMAN +800 (Eliminated)

Head coach Bob Richey has proven that he is a miracle worker, which has shown at times this season. The Paladins swept Chattanooga this season and ended the regular season with a win at Wofford. They still have a few pieces from the team that reached the tournament two years ago, and that level of experience is unmatched this time of year. Take the big number here and ride with Furman.

Championship Game: Wofford 92, Furman 85
Big East Conference: March 12-15
Predicting Every Game of the 2025 Big East Tournament

BIG EAST TOURNAMENT ODDS BET365

St. John's: +145
Connecticut: +400
Creighton: +400
Marquette: +550
Xavier: +850
Villanova: +1500
Butler: +8000
Georgetown: +10000
Providence: +15000
DePaul: +25000
CONNELLY'S PICK: XAVIER (+850)

As dominant as St. John's has been at the top of the Big East, there lacks that fear factor among the conference's elites this year. Perhaps it's time for a bid thief to emerge inside Madison Square Garden this week? Enter Xavier, a team that was largely forgotten about amidst the mediocrity of the middle of the Big East, sitting at 6-7 in early February. The Musketeers ripped off seven straight to close the regular season, earning themselves a spot in the quarterfinals. They have been the best team in the league per Bart Torvik's T-Rank since the start of February and are a great flyer to add to your bet slip.