While a 1 or 2 seed may be bounced in the first round of the tournament, that’s not what we’re looking for here. Wild and unpredictable things happen in March, but rarely are they predictable. So instead of looking for a longshot payout, that likely won’t happen. So here are the top dogs, big and small, to look out for on day one.
Small Dogs
Missouri (+100)
As odd as it seems, the Tigers are a slight underdog as the seven-seed taking on tenth seed Utah State. Four teams from the Mountain West made this year’s tournament, and as much of a accomplishment as that is for the conference, there is only one who will make it out of the first round, and it’s not Utah State.
Missouri is extremely undervalued in this tournament. There are one of ten teams coming out of the SEC, and despite all that tough competition they finished fourth in the conference. Bettors shouldn’t be surprised to see this team in the Sweet 16.
Illinois (+110)
Both Illinois and Arkansas are coming into the tournament with little steam. Arkansas has lost four of their last five, and Illinois three of their previous five.
Arkansas had some successes at the start of the season that helped carry them to this point in the season. They were horrible to close out the season, and there is no way this terrible squad will find a way to win tomorrow. So this pick is more against Arkansas than it is for Illinois.
It’s wild Arkansas stole a spot from UNC.
Wild Dog
There are only a few dogs on the board I like for tomorrow. While I am not saying a big favorite won’t fall, it just won’t be predictable. If I had to go out on a limb and pick one, it would be Duke.
They appear to be peaking at the right time, and while they seemed poised to make a run, they have a history of flopping in the first round. We saw what Oral Roberts did last year, and they will be looking to run it back.
While it’s not a solid pick, this is the wild upset I see for tomorrow.
Oral Roberts (+230)
Check back tomorrow, as Day 2 has far more small, big, and wild dogs.
