March Madness day 3 betting picks & odds | Saturday, March 19

March Madness has completely lived up to its name thus far. The first day featured 16 games and was highlighted by the Saint Peter’s Peacocks defeating tournament powerhouse Kentucky. It was a shock for all of college basketball and a keen reminder of the unpredictability in the tournament. Now, the eight teams that survived and advanced have a quick turnaround for their game on Saturday. A chance of the Sweet 16 is on the line, here are the three best picks for March Madness’s Saturday matchups.

North Carolina Tar Heels vs Baylor Bears

This line is a product of recency bias. The eight seeded North Carolina Tar Heels are off a dominant win in their first game and have people thinking this is a vintage UNC team. Unfortunately for them, they are not. While they are a good team that has had a strong season, this is not a UNC team that is capable of winning the title. This line is overlooking the dominance of Baylor and the season they have had. Take Baylor -5.5 as the Bears should be able to get past the Tar Heels.

Baylor is the one seed and dominated their first round matchup every bit UNC did. It was more unexpected and impressive for UNC but the point remains. Baylor is a powerhouse and the defending national champion. For some reason, they are not being treated like the title contender they are and it has resulted in this line. Baylor will enter this game without a lot of hype but will leave it with a ton. They should beat down an inferior UNC team and go into the Sweet 16 with title hopes.

Creighton Bluejays vs Kansas Jayhawks

In a battle between two bird teams, the nine seeded Bluejays will take on the blue blood Kansas Jayhawks. Kansas dominated their first round matchup and as the one seed, will expect to be competing for the national title. They have a deep team with star power and are a legitimate threat. Unfortunately for them, Creighton has been playing really good basketball recently and this line doesn’t reflect their recent performances.

Creighton is coming off a shocking come from behind victory to knock off the eight seeded San Diego St. Aztecs. They showed true grit and determination during that game and proved that they are not done until the final whistle. It was a memorable win for them that should propel them to giving Kansas some trouble. While Creighton is dealing with injuries, this line does not reflect their talent and they should have no trouble keeping the game close and covering this large number.

Saint Peter’s Peacocks vs Murray St. Racers

Saint Peters shocked the world on Thursday by knocking off perennial powerhouse Kentucky. They played a perfect game where they were able to mask their athletic disadvantage and defeat the goliath that is Kentucky. They are a 15 seed and while they are a good story, the odds of them playing another perfect game are very slim. Murray St. may not be on the same level as Kentucky but they are a very strong team and should dispatch the inferior Peacocks.

Murray St is an impressive seven seed that played a really tough game in their first round. They tried to blow it, but were eventually able to prevail past the 10 seeded San Francisco Dons. Now, they can relax and prove why they have Final Four hopes. They are 31-2 this year and while they haven’t played many great teams, Saint Peters doesn’t qualify as a great team. Saint Peters had a great run and captivated the nation, but their run has to end at some point. Expect Murray St to do what Kentucky couldn’t and run them out of the gym, covering -8.5 while doing so.

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