Early March Madness Picks Analysis

Which team has a solid shot at cutting down the nets in this year’s March Madness tournament? Are you looking at such favorites as Kansas, UCLA, Gonzaga, UNC, and Villanova? Or maybe you like a few long shots such as Wisconsin, Florida, Purdue, or Butler? You never know, but let’s take a look at some of the odds to win…

Early March Madness Picks Analysis

Kansas Jayhawks +800

Kansas is first in the Big 12 and 20-3 overall, being a solid contender to make it all the way. Though losing to Iowa State in their last game, which dropped them in the Power Rankings, they can bounce right back into the thick of things by defeating Kansas State up next. With the return of forward Carlton Bragg, the Jayhawks have even more reason of making it all the way.

UCLA Trojans +800

The 8-3 Trojans are third in the Pac-12 behind Oregon and Arizona (that are incidentally tied in that division at 10-1). As a sidenote, LaMelo Ball, UCLA’s star freshman, Lonzo Ball’s, brother just scored an incredible 92 points in a high school game! Anyway, the Trojans can get back into the division race by defeating Oregon which they’re facing on Thursday. Four teams in the Pac-12 are in good standing to go to the Big Dance, including UCLA so look forward to seeing big things from that division.

UNC Tar Heels +900

The ACC-leading Tar Heels are in great shape as always. However, they need to beat Duke this Thursday to really cement their position heading into the championship. In any case, UNC has won nine of their past ten in conference play but it’s going to make for an interesting game. Here’s another interesting fact for you, the ACC has 12 of its 15 teams in contention for an NCAA bid (yes, including Syracuse). Anyhoo, UNC vs Duke is a must watch to see how things play out before the madness begins.

Gonzaga Bulldogs +800

The Bulldogs are in an impressive run and it’s hard to see them slowing down any time soon. Sitting atop the West Coast at 12-0 and 24-0 overall, Gonzaga has taken over the top spot in the Power Rankings.

Villanova Wildcats +900

The 9-2 Big East leading Wildcats just defeated St. John’s Red Storm, 92-79, and are on a three-game winning streak. They’re also just behind Gonzaga in the Power Rankings and are also solid to make it far into March Madness.

Duke Blue Devils +1000

Duke is 6th in the ACC at 6-4 and 18-5 overall, but the Blue Devils are always solid competition against any foe. They next face UNC on the 9th which will be one great match and a MUST watch.

Kentucky Wildcats +1100

The Wildcats are tied second with Florida in the SEC with an 8-2 record and 18-5 overall. They recently lost to Florida, 88-66, but can bounce right back with a win over LSU up next on the 7th. South Carolina however still holds a one-game lead over Florida and Kentucky. Kentucky did not merely lose to Florida in Gainesville they were blasted our the O’Dome by the Gators 88-66.

Florida +2200

As mentioned above, the Gators are tied with Kentucky for second in the SEC. The Gators are hoping to have forward Keith Stone back in their ranks against Georgia up next, after he missed the two last games due to illness. Stone is still questionable to compete against the Bulldogs, but is looking good so far. Behind fourth-year junior John Egbunu and senior Justin Leon, Stone completes a Florida roster that’s solid heading into March Madness.

Butler Bulldogs + 5000

The Bulldogs are a long shot, but I like their chances of at least giving good competition. Currently they sit at fourth in the Big East behind Villanova, Xavier, and Creighton. Though they’ve lost their last two, they can pick themselves up with a win over Marquette up next.

Purdue Boilermakers +4000

Another long shot, but sitting well at third in the Big Ten behind Wisconsin and Maryland. Purdue just racked up two big wins over Northwestern and Maryland. Say what you will, but I think there’s plenty in store for the Boilermakers in March Madness.