The Round of 32 tips off this afternoon and is filled with great matchups.
However, the game getting the most attention may be Arkansas vs. St. John's, with decorated frenemies John Calipari and Rick Pitino squaring for the fifth time in the NCAA Tournament. They have split the first four meetings, but Zuby Ejiofor's impact may tip the scales in Pitino's favor today.
If you like offense, BYU vs. Wisconsin may be your game. In an expected high-scoring affair, two scorers that may stand out are Richie Saunders and John Blackwell.
However, points may be hard to come by when Gonzaga and Houston get together in Wichita. In particular, Houston may be a tough matchup for forward Graham Ike.
Read on for NCAA Tournament player props for Saturday, March 22.
NCAA Tournament Player Props — 3/22
- Zuby Ejiofor Over 7.5 Rebounds (-130, Fanatics)
- Richie Saunders/John Blackwell 15-plus Points Parlay (+115, Fanatics)
- Graham Ike Under 15.5 Points (-105, Fanatics)
St. John's Player Prop: Zuby Ejiofor Over 7.5 Rebounds
2:40 p.m., CBS | vs. Arkansas
In his second season in New York after transferring from Kansas, Ejiofor has broken out.
The junior is averaging 14.4 points and eight rebounds per game. Over half of his rebounds (4.3 per game) come on the offensive end, and he is a big reason why the Red Storm rank ninth nationally in offensive rebounding rate.
Ejiofor has pulled down eight rebounds in 21 of his last 30 games. While a 70% hit rate is strong in its own right, Ejiofor has also finished with seven rebounds in four of those games.
However, with today's matchup, I don't expect the hook to come into play here.
Arkansas ranks 244th in offensive rebounding rate and 104th in defensive rebounding rate. It has lost the rebounding battle in seven of its last 10 games.
Additionally, St. John's leads the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency, which may lead to more misses for the Razorbacks. That may help Ejiofor grab a few more defensive rebounds in addition to his dominance on the glass and help him get over this line.
Pick: Zuby Ejiofor Over 7.5 Rebounds (-130, Fanatics)
BYU-Wisconsin Player Props: Richie Saunders/John Blackwell 15-Plus Points
7:45 p.m., CBS
With a total of 154.5, BYU vs. Wisconsin has the highest total on the board.
It may just be the highest-scoring game of the day, and that would surprise no one as both teams rank in the top 15 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency.
BYU ranks fifth nationally in 2-point field goal percentage but is also a prolific 3-point shooting team by percentage (37%) and volume. Over half of the Cougars' field goal attempts are from three.
Saunders is one of the Cougars' most dangerous shooters. The junior guard leads the team with 75 triples this season, shooting 42.4% from deep. That has helped him average 16 points per game this season, which he matched in BYU's first-round victory over VCU. Saunders has now scored 15 points in 14 of his last 20 games.
Meanwhile, Blackwell kicked off his NCAA Tournament with 19 points on 7-for-12 from the field. He did not make a 3-pointer in the Badgers' victory over Montana, but he is attempting five per game, and BYU ranks 250th nationally in 3-point percentage defense.
However, with his midrange game and ability to get to the free-throw line, Blackwell's three-ball may not be necessary. He is averaging 15.6 points per game this season and has scored 15 in seven of his last ten games.
While I like both Saunders and Blackwell's points line individually, combining them for 15 points gives us plus odds. Given their hit rates, I can't turn down that price.
Pick: Richie Saunders/John Blackwell 15-plus Points Parlay (+115, Fanatics)
Gonzaga Player Prop: Graham Ike Under 15.5 Points
8:40 p.m., TNT | vs. Wisconsin
Ike averages 17 points per game this season, but it may be hard for him to get there tonight.
He has failed to reach 15 points in his past two games and in three of the past four. What hasn't helped is that he has committed four fouls in three straight games and four of his last five games. He has played under 30 minutes in each of those games.
Ike will face a Houston defense that ranks second nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency and fourth in 2-point field goal percentage defense. Ike will look to do most of his damage in the paint.
Houston will also look to slow the tempo, limiting the possessions in this game.
Houston will be one of the most physical teams Gonzaga has faced this season. Those battles down low increase the likelihood that he will be again in foul trouble.
Considering the strength of Houston's defense, Ike will likely need 30-plus minutes to clear this number. If he is in foul trouble once more, that will not happen.
Pick: Graham Ike Under 15.5 Points (-105, Fanatics)
