Southeast Region NCAA Tournament Betting Picks for Saturday

#2 Florida Gators -5.0 over #7 UCLA Bruins

It’s almost strange to me that Billy Donavan’s Florida Gators aren’t gaining more traction in Southeast Region NCAA tournament betting, but I can understand why. Getting smashed by Kentucky in the SEC tournament has that type of effect on people’s perception. Still, even with that loss on the docket, the Gators have been so valuable in the sportsbook that it’s unconscionable to bet against them. Florida is a strong 6-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games and are one of the best bets to kill the region as an under the radar team.

#3 BYU Cougars -1.0 over #11 Gonzaga Bulldogs

Gonzaga may have earned a nice win over the St. John’s Red Storm in a battle of the darling underdogs but they won’t have as fun of a time trying to stop the best skill player in the entire tournament. We know that Gonzaga can put up points, but beating BYU comes down to stopping Jimmer Fredette and the Bulldogs don’t have a perimeter defender who is elite enough to silence him.

That being said, you have to be careful with BYU. Even with just one star player, the Cougars are a difficult bet in Southeast Region NCAA tournament betting picks because they don’t have great offense or defense in the paint. Gonzaga loves to engage in shootouts, and that’s a dangerous tactic against Jimmer. The Cougars are just 4-5 ATS in their last 9 games and didn’t cover in their opener. A virtual pick ‘em against Gonzaga is a delight and at this point you can’t bet against Jimmer. He gets you every time.

#8 Butler Bulldogs +8.0 over #1 Pittsburgh Panthers

The Panthers answered the bell after their stunning loss in the Big East tournament by beating the hell out of UNC-Asheville. But they didn’t cover, which is something I warned you about. Butler outlasted Old Dominion, which is a better program than you’d think, and they have the mustard to keep up with Pittsburgh. This is a battle of the low post and I think that Butler’s ability to score in the point is the tipping point in this matchup. Pittsburgh can very well win this game, but you can’t rely on them in Southeast Region NCAA tournament betting. This is a comfortable line for those of us that think Butler has the nuts to rally like they did last year.

#5 Kansas State Wildcats +2.5 over #4 Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin is such a flakey team in terms of betting that I can’t trust them. They’re just 5-2 SU and 3-4 ATS in their last 7 games and after throttling Belmont by a score of 72-to-58, you’d think they’re ready to pick up their socks after a disappointing run in the Big Ten tournament. No dice. Wisconsin is one of the most overrated teams in the country in my opinion, which is weird to say because there aren’t that many engaging opinions about Wisconsin.

Kansas State is coming on strong in the tournament after surviving a scare against Utah State. I actually love this bracket for the Wildcats because they don’t have many opponents that can keep up with their torrid offensive style. KSU is 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games and have done an impressive job of overcoming the oddsmakers’ expectations of them. That’s why I like them in Southeast Region NCAA tournament betting this weekend, and a reason you should jump all over this line with the Wildcats as underdogs.