The March Madness betting tournament is rapidly heading toward its climax. Sportsbooks and players alike have been taken for quite a spin already in this year’s tournament and it’s unlikely that the surprises will stop anytime soon. Nevertheless, Friday will bring another opportunity for bettors to wager on the craziest sporting action of 2017.
Latest College Basketball Best Bets & News
- Kentucky vs. UCLA – Sportsbook Preview – Friday, March 24
- Butler vs. UNC – Sportsbook Preview – Friday, March 24
- Xavier vs. Arizona – Sportsbook Preview – Thursday, March 23, 2017
Once we advance past the Sweet Sixteen round of the tournament bettors can set their gaze to the Elite Eight’s round of action. Some players might complain that this tournament is flying by, but if this year’s finale is as jaw-dropping as last year’s, there won’t be much reason to whine.
Friday’s March Madness betting action will bring 4 thrilling matchups to the national stage. The contests between UNC and Butler will likely draw a heavy dose of action, but bettors should refrain from giving a blind eye to the contest between South Carolina and Baylor.
South Carolina vs. Baylor – Friday, March 24
When: 7:29 pm ET
Where: Madison Square Garden
TV: TBS, NCAA Live Stream
NCAA Basketball Public Betting Lines:
South Carolina Gamecocks +3 ½ (-110) 135 (-110) +145
Baylor Bears -3 ½ (-110) 135 (-110) -165
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina has fought their way to a 24-10 record this season (12-6 in SEC play) that gave way to a 3rd way tie in the conference. In the SEC Tournament, the Gamecocks were dismissed early in the competition, quarterfinals to be exact, by Alabama 54-63.
So far in this year’s NCAA Tournament, South Carolina has squared off against the Marquette Golden Eagles, who they steamrolled 93-73, and Duke. Their contest against the Blue Devils featured one of the most surprising turnouts in this year’s tournament as the Gamecocks advanced past Duke 88-81.
South Carolina will be looking to deliver another upset and to help them accomplish that the Gamecocks will turn to Sindarius Thornwell. Thornwell is leading the program in points with his average of 21.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest. Second in points for South Carolina is PJ Dozier who is netting the team 13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest.
Baylor Bears
The Bears come into this contest sporting a 27-7 record (12-6 Big 12) that allowed Baylor to tie for a 2nd place finish in the conference. In the Big 12 tournament, the Bears got sent home right away by Kansas State in the quarterfinals 64-70.
So far in this year’s NCAA Tournament, the Bears have faced off against New Mexico State and USC, beating each team 91-73 and 82-78 respectively.
To help them overcome the Gamecocks, the March Madness betting favorites will turn to leading point-scorer Johnathan Motley. Motley is currently averaging 17.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest. Second in points for the Bears is Manu Lecomte who is putting up 12.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per matchup.
