March Madness Best Bets for Round of 64

As the first round of the NCAA Tournament gets underway on Thursday, BetOnline has put together its favorite first-round matchups. These are games that will not only prove to be nail biting, but which may also provide basketball betting fans the inside track to fast winning. Let’s take a look at two of the March Madness best bets for the Round of 64!

St. John’s Red Storm (21-11) vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs (24-9)

March 17 at 7:15 PM ET, Southeast Region

Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado

This early game pits sixth-seeded St. John’s against the Bulldogs of Gonzaga, who got a low No. 11 seed despite winning the WCC conference title.

Gonzaga has no fear coming into the March Madness tournament with a low seed, as this team plays the underdog role well. After returning four starters from last season’s team, the Bulldogs had higher expectations for the 2010-2011 season. Despite their disappointment, Gonzaga has improved their style of play in the course of the last month, culminating in the victory of St. Mary’s for the WCC championship.

As this is the Bulldog’s 13th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, Gonzaga relies on more experience than the Red Storm. Despite that the bracketologists believe that St. John’s has the better team here, key player DJ Kennedy was injured in the Big East tournament and is likely out for the entire postseason.

Also remember way back to the year 2000, when the lowly tenth-seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs upset No. 2 seed St. John’s in the second round. Expect Gonzaga to do the same this time around!

March Madness Best Bet – Gonzaga Bulldogs

Texas Longhorns (27-7) vs. Oakland Golden Grizzlies (25-9)

March 18 at 12:15 PM ET, West Region

BOK Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Number 4 seed Texas drew the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the first round, a thirteenth seed and champions of the Summit League. Many NCAA betting fans may chose Texas in this matchup without a second thought, but there’s a bit of odds analysis to be done in this game.

Texas was not happy with its play in the Big 12 Tournament, falling to Kansas in the final game. The Longhorns realize they must step it up to last long during March Madness.

Texas has now lost four of its last eight games and has struggled offensively. However, the team has thrived on defensive, lead by top-rebounder Tristan Thompson.

The primary reason the Horns cannot overlook Oakland is center Keith Benson. Called the best player in the history of the Summit League, Benson averages a double-double each game and is a highly-touted NBA prospect. He will give the Texas centers some trouble under the basket.

So, for Texas to advance, not only must the team pick up its game, but the Horns must also play a heck of a defensive game to stop the Golden Grizzlies. Although Texas has the talent to advance, be careful when placing your odds on this one!

March Madness Best Bet – Texas Longhorns