Here’s Your Southeast Region NCAA Basketball Odds Picks

With the NCAA Tournament officially underway today with first-round games, there are many exciting matchups to watch and wager on for some St. Patrick’s Day fun!

UCLA Bruins vs. Michigan State Spartans

Thursday, March 17 at 9:20 PM ET

St Pete Times Forum, Tampa, Florida

NCAA Basketball Odds: UCLA +1, Michigan State -1, Game Total: 126.5

The Bruins and Spartans have qualified for a combined total of nine Final Four appearances since 1999, as both schools have basketball programs rich in tradition. However, this season, both teams have also struggled with inconsistency.

Although the Spartans are the tenth seed in the region, they are favored by one point tonight over the seventh-seeded Bruins. The Bruins won 12 of 14 games before dropping two of their last three.

Michigan State may get the slight edge here due to experience, returning most of the teams’ key players from last season, and boasting a 10-3 record in tournament opening games under coach Tom Izzo. I’d lead toward Michigan State tonight!

NCAA Basketball Free Pick – Michigan State Spartans -1!

St John’s Red Storm vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs

Thursday, March 17 at 9:45 PM ET

Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

NCAA Basketball Odds: St John’s -1.5, Gonzaga +1.5, Game Total: 134.5

Sixth-seeded St John’s prepares to face eleventh-seeded Gonzaga, in a prime-time matchup tonight without key player DJ Kennedy, who tore his ACL during the Big East conference tournament.

The Red Storm have counted on Kennedy all season, and his absence in the tournament will likely play a big factor in the team’s success.

The Bulldogs are back in the Big Dance for the 13th consecutive season, and hope to continue the success they built at the end of the season, winning nine straight games to capture an automatic bid.

Based on the absence of a Kennedy and the momentum of Gonzaga, I pick the Bulldogs to pull the upset tonight!

NCAA Basketball Free Pick – Gonzaga Bulldogs +1.5!

Kansas State Wildcats vs. Utah State Aggies

Thursday, March 17 at 9:57 PM ET

McKale Center, Tucson, Arizona

NCAA Basketball Odds: Kansas State -2.5, Utah State +2.5, Game Total: 128.5

After overcoming mid-season problems, losing five of seven of the team’s first Big 12 conference games, the Wildcats have regrouped, reworked their strategies, and believe themselves to be back on the winning track just in the nick of time.

The Aggies of Utah State have enjoyed success this season, winning the WAC conference outright and also winning the conference tournament. Utah State relies on a strong player under the basket in Tai Wesley.

However, coming from the Big 12, the Wildcats are a better-tested and stronger team, deserving of the higher seed for a reason. They should get the win tonight and cover the 2.5-point spread.

NCAA Basketball Free Pick – Kansas State Wildcats -2.5!