We're in the best time of the year: March Madness.
I'm beginning my March Madness with a two-team underdog parlay.
High Point vs Purdue Odds
| High Point Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -102 | 153.5 -105o / -115u | +295 |
| Purdue Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -118 | 153.5 -105o / -115u | -375 |
We have two teams looking to make history in this intriguing 4 vs. 13 seed matchup.
Purdue will enter the tournament trying to replicate last season's success, in which a Zach Edey-led team found itself in the national championship.
On the other hand, High Point will be making its first March Madness appearance in school history.
I'm betting that High Point covers the spread for three main reasons.
First, the Panthers rank 25th nationally in offensive efficiency (118.5, per KenPom). They shoot the lights out and obliterate the offensive boards.
Second, Purdue's interior defense is weak without Edey protecting the rim. I suspect High Point's 7-foot big man, Juslin Bodo Bodo, will take advantage early and often.
Third, I think High Point can control the pace. The Panthers can push the pace and get out in the open court, but Alan Huss is a great coach who can slow the tempo down when needed.
The Panthers also hit everything at the charity stripe (76%, per KenPom), which can be pivotal down the stretch.
McNeese vs Clemson Odds
| McNeese St Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+7.5 -110 | 134.5 -105o / -115u | +275 |
| Clemson Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-7.5 -110 | 134.5 -105o / -115u | -345 |
This is an exciting 12 vs. 5 matchup featuring a strong ACC team, Clemson, which has set a school record for ACC and overall victories this season.
The Tigers will face a McNeese team building momentum under coach Will Wade.
I think McNeese will cover the 7.5-point spread for a few reasons.
To start, the Cowboys rank 16th nationally in defensive efficiency, per KenPom. They're known for their aggressive, havoc-based, triple-switching, post-denial defense that creates many turnovers. If they can pressure Clemson early, they can often create turnovers and then easy buckets on the other end.
This should also be a slower-paced game — McNeese needs to keep this game in the half-court to have a shot, and Clemson will oblige — which tends to put more value on an underdog catching three possessions.
Over the last 23 games, coach Will Wade has led McNeese to a 22-1 record. The Pokes are well-coached and excellent in crunch time. All six losses this season came by single digits, including an eight-point road loss to Alabama and a three-point neutral-court loss to Mississippi State.
Both teams covering the spread of 7.5 is available on DraftKings at +278.
Underdog Play of the Day: McNeese +7.5 & High Point +7.5 (+278, DraftKings)
