March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews

Welcome to March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews! I’m going to give analysis and preview the West region games for the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament. The West has some good spots for potential upsets and is home to the #1 team in the country, Gonzaga. I hope you find my analysis/advice useful, so sit back and enjoy!

March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews #3 KANSAS VS #14 EASTERN WASHINGTON

Kansas (20-8; 12-6 BIG 12) will go up against Eastern Washington( 16-7; 12-3 Big Sky) on Saturday, March 20th, at 1:15 pm on TBS

Kansas has had a great season thus far, entering this contest-winning 8 out of their last 9 games. They were in the mix to win the BIG 12 Championship when they got withdrawn for COVID-19 protocols. Kansas has HUGE wins this year, including Baylor, Texas Tech, and West Virginia. I think people are starting to sleep on Kansas a little bit because they have the tools to make a real run.

The Jayhawks have a super deep roster, having everyone in their starting 5 averaging over 10 PPG. Ochai Agbaji is the leading scorer, as he scores 14.2 PPG. Forwards, David McCormack, and Jalen Wilson both contribute heavily. McCormack drops in 13.4 PPG and grabs a team-high 6.1 REB/G, and Wilson scores a solid 12 PPG, while also bringing down 8.2 REB/G.

EWU is coming off a solid Big Sky Conference Championship win, which is their 4th win in a row. The Eagles finished 2nd in the Big Sky, running through their conference all season long. They had a few out-of-conference games, staying toe-to-toe with PAC-12 teams Arizona and Washington State.

The Eagles roster is just as deep as Kansas’ as they have 5 players averaging over 10 PPG as well. Their go-to-guy is Tanner Groves. The junior forward leads the team in points and rebounds, averaging 16.4 PPG and 9 REB/G. Three players on EWU shoot greater than 36% from 3, the most efficient being Tyler Robinson, at 38%.

Kansas has a very good defense, allowing a mere 66 PPG. This is very impressive because of how good the BIG 12 is and the elite offenses that are in the conference. Kansas has been able to limit some of the best teams in the country to some low scores. If they can replicate that against EWU, they should have no problem advancing.

EWU, on the flip side, has an elite offense, amassing 78 PPG. Their platoon of shooters helps them put up big numbers, no matter the opponent. The Eagles are also free throw maestros, ranking in the top 10, and hitting 78.7% of FT. EWU actually matches up well, as they can hit shots and convert on free throws very efficiently. If the shots aren’t falling, they can pound it inside until their shooters get going.

Betting Odds:

Kansas -10.5 (14-12-1 ATS)
-650 ML

Eastern Washington +10.5 (15-7 ATS)
+475 ML

O/U 147

Betting Trends:

*KU is 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 games overall
*KU is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as a favorite
*KU Under is 6-1 in last 7 overall

*EWU is 0-4 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games as an underdog
*EWU Over is 6-1 in their last 7 Saturday games
*EWU Under is 5-0 in their last 5 games overall

March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews #5 CREIGHTON VS #12 UC SANTA BARBRA

Creighton (20-8; 14-6 Big East) takes on UC Santa Barbra (22-4; 13-3 Big West) on Saturday, March 20th, at 3:30 pm on truTV

Creighton enters this matchup ranked #18 in the country on the AP Top 25. The Bluejays have had a solid season in the Big East, finishing 2nd in the standings. Creighton has solid wins this season over Uconn and Villanova. They lost a nail-biter to Kansas earlier in the season, so it’s evident that they can play up to their competition.

The Bluejays share the rock efficiently, having 5 players on the team averaging more than 10 PPG. Marcus Zegarowski is their #1 guy. The junior guard averages 15.5 PPG, 3.7 REB/G, and 4.3 AST, so he’s capable of doing a little bit of everything. Zegarowski also brings precision shooting to Creighton, shooting 41% from downtown.

UC Santa Barbra destroyed the Big West this season, finishing 1st in their conference and winning the championship game by 15 points. The Gauchos come into this game going 18-1 in their last 19 (yeah you read that right). This is probably one of the most impressive runs of a team in this whole tournament.

UCSB gets a lot of production from their senior guard, JaQuori McLaughlin. He averages 16 PPG and 5.2 AST, showing that they look to him for facilitation, as he does it well. The Gauchos also have some sharpshooters on their team, Miles Norris, Ajare Sanni, and McLaughlin all shoot above 38% from 3.

Creighton has a top 50 offense in the country, scoring 77 PPG. Their starting 5 accounts for the bulk of these points. The key to victory for the Blue Jays is to just play to their strengths, by passing the ball and finding open shooters. They are top 30 in assists and turnovers, so they understand how to effectively pass and find their teammates for good looks.

UCSB is rocking with one of the best defenses in the country, allowing only 62.8 PPG. Unlike a lot of teams that have a good defense, the Gauchos actually have a very sound offense, ranking in the top 60 at 76.5 PPG. Similar to Creighton, UCSB is top of the class in terms of passing and holing on to the ball, ranking top 25 in each category. Their key to victory is to just do what they do better because they have a very similar style to Creighton.

Betting Odds:

Creighton -7.5 (13-15 ATS)
-340 ML

UC Santa Barbra +7.5 (14-10 ATS)
+270 ML

O/U 137.5

Betting Trends:

*CREI is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight-up loss of 20pts
*CREI is 4-0-1 ATS in last 5 games after scoring less than 50 their last game
*CREI Over is 11-1 in their last 12 games following a loss of 20 pts or more

*UCSB is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games vs a team with winning % above .600
*UCSB is 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games vs a team with a winning record
*UCSB Over is 5-1 in their last 6 games following an ATS win

March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews #6 USC VS #11 DRAKE

USC (22-7; 15-5 PAC 12) is taking on Drake (26-4; 15-3 MVC) on Saturday, March 20th, at 4:30 on TNT

USC has undoubtedly been one of the best teams in the PAC 12 this year, finishing 2nd in the conference. They got bounced in the PAC 12 finals in a close 2 point loss to Colorado. The Trojans have solid wins over BYU, UCLA, and Oregon this season.

Every time you hear USC, it’s hard not to think about their big man, Evan Mobley. The potential NBA lottery pick is a 7’0 do-it-all type of player, that has handles, shoots 32% from 3, and grabs boards like a true big man. The NBA prospect averages an astounding 17 PPG and 8.5 REB/G, while also averaging 3 BLK/G on the defensive end. It’s shooters galore for USC, as they have 3 players that shoot over 39% from 3, which is absurd.

Drake was popular during the season for starting the season off on an 18 game win streak. If you don’t know them from that, maybe you saw them beat Wichita State in the First Four on Thursday, which was a down-to-the-last-shot type of game. It wasn’t their best outing, shooting only 37% as a team, but they did what they needed to do to win. Sophomore guard, Joeseph Yesufu ended the game with a team-high 21pts. The Bulldogs were still impressive, as they have been playing without their 2 best scorers. If they want to stop USC, they’re going to have to keep playing tough interior D, spearheaded by 285lb Darnell Brodie, and try to get better looks to get their FG% higher this game.

USC has a very solid defense, ranking in the top 50. It isn’t that surprising when you have a 7’0 monster lurking in the paint that can contest and block shots all game. It also helps them get rebounds, averaging a 23rd best 42.7. USC needs to keep Mobley active on both sides to allow the offense to click and defense to play tight

Betting Odds:

USC -6.5 (16-13 ATS)
-270 ML

Drake +6.5 (20-7 ATS)
+220 ML

O/U 135.5

Betting Trends:

*USC is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 NCAA Tourney games
*USC is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall
*USC Under is 4-1 in their last 5 games as a favorite

*DRKE is 1-9-1 in their last 11 Saturday games
*DRKE Over is 6-1 in the last 7 games following a straight-up win
*DRKE Over is 5-1 in their last 6 games as an underdog

March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews #2 IOWA VS #15 GRAND CANYON

Iowa (21-8; 14-6 BIG 10) matches up with Grand Canyon (17-6; 9-3 WAC) Saturday, March 20th, at 6:25 pm on TBS

Iowa has been at the top of the national rankings a few times this season, as they started the season 6-1 and took out North Carolina along the way. throughout the rest of the season, they did very well in the BIG 10, finishing 3rd in the conference. They have solid wins over Wisconsin, Rutgers, and Ohio State.

Iowa’s heart and soul is All-American 1st team member, Luka Garza. If you watch college basketball, you know who he is. The big man averages an incredible 23.7 PPG and 9 REB/G. If that wasn’t impressive enough, he shoots 40% from 3, as a 6’11 big man. It’s pretty much unfair that Iowa has this man on their team and he’s been a huge reason for their success this season.

Grand Canyon is coming fresh off a WAC championship win. GCU has been the top team in their conference, finishing with the best record too. Grand Canyon doesn’t have any impressive out-of-conference wins, but they kept it very close with Arizona State and Colorado, proving they can keep pace with the big guys.

GCU has a big man of their own at their disposal. Asbjorn Midtgaard (absolutely awesome name), is their #1 scorer and rebounder, averaging 14 and 10. That man is a presence in the paint and is a very efficient scorer, converting on 70% of his field goals. Luckily, he doesn’t have to do all the work as he has a pair of snipers, that both shoot over 39% from three, Chance McMillian, and Alessandro Lever.

Iowa has one of the best offenses in the country, where they rank 6th and drop 83.8 PPG. Iowa literally has the best big man in the country that can shoot, along with two players who shoot over 47% from 3. Their offense is unstoppable and it’s just that simple.

GCU is interesting because they have a top 10 defense in the country, holding their opponents to 61 PPG. It’s going to be very interesting to see how they deal with a top offense. The Midtgaard vs Garza big man matchup is going to be a show! GCU should try and focus on getting Midtgaard to contest Luka and deny him the ball, to try to see if they can limit his touches, lowering Iowa’s chances of scoring or facilitating out of the post as efficiently.

Betting Odds:

Iowa -14 (15-13-1 ATS)

Grand Canyon +14 (15-5 ATS)

O/U 145

Betting Trends:

*IOWA is 7-0-1 ATS in their last 8 neutral site games as a favorite
*IOWA is 0-2-2 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games
*IOWA Over is 5-0 in their last 5 tournament games

*GCU is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog
*GCU is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 neutral site games
*GCU Under is 7-1 in their last 8 games following a straight up win

March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews #4 VIRGINIA VS #13 OHIO

Virginia (18-6; 13-4 ACC) takes on Ohio (16-7; 9-5 MAC) on Saturday, March 20th, at 7:15 pm on truTV

Virginia was on their way to shoot at an ACC title when they got hit with COVID-19 protocol and had to be withdrawn. The Cavaliers were on a 3 win streak at the time. They finished 1st in the ACC and were predicted to take the ACC Championship. They have solid ACC wins this year over UNC and Clemson.

UVA looks to their duo of forwards to give the production. Sam Hauser is their leader in points, averaging 16 PPG and 6.7 REB/G, while Jay Huff is their leading rebounder, grabbing 7 REB/G and scoring 13 PPG. These two also can sling the rock from 3. Hauser shoots a crazy 43% clip, while Huff sprays it at 40%.

Ohio surprisingly finished 5th in the MAC, but still managed to make the NCAA tournament. The reason why is because they won the MAC tournament, taking out the 1, 2, and 4 seeds along the way. Talk about underdogs! Ohio proved they were a tough out at the beginning of the season as they came close to taking down Illinois, only losing by 2.

Ohio has a solid starting 5, who all average over 10 PPG. The two guys to keep an eye on is Jason Preston, who averages 16.6 PPG, 7.2 AST, and & REB shooting 3s at 40%. This kid is a human Swiss Army Knife. His partner, big man, Dwight Wilson III, contributes a good workload as well, averaging 15 PPG and helping on the boards with 7.5 REB/G

UVA plays absolute lockdown defense this season, ranking 6th in all of D1. Their duo of stud big fellas contributes a lot to that fact, as well as being coached and disciplined well. The Cavaliers don’t score many points on offense, but they run the offense efficiently, scoring on 48% of their FGs, 81% of their FT, and only turn the ball over 9 times a game, which is 3rd least in D1.

Ohio is wicked on offense, averaging 81 PPG, which is ranked in the top 20. They are also very sound on offense, ranking 6th in assists and converting on 49% of their shots. This Ohio team is very scary and could be the one to upset a powerhouse like Virginia. If they can keep up on offense and try and force Virginia to make some mistakes, this game could get very interesting.

Betting Odds:

Virginia -7 (11-12-1 ATS)
-340 ML

Ohio +7 (14-7 ATS)
+270 ML

O/U 130.5

Betting Trends:

*UVA is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall
*UVA is 1-5 ATS in their last 6 neutral site games
*UVA Over is 5-1 in their last 6 overall

*OHIO is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as an underdog
*OHIO is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 neutral site games
*OHIO is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win

March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews #8 OKLAHOMA VS #9 MISSOURI

Oklahoma (15-10; 9-8 BIG 12) takes on Missouri (16-9; 8-8 SEC) on Saturday, March 20th, at 7:25 pm on TNT

Oklahoma is coming off a tough run, as they lost 5 out of their last 6. This is hopefully just a bump in the road for the Sooners, as they were at one point a Top 25 team in the country. Although they finished 6th in the BIG 12, they have huge wins this season over; Texas, Alabama, Kansas, and West Virginia. Oklahoma came up big time and time again against top-tier teams, and they look to continue that instead of what has been happening recently for them.

The Sooners look to their senior do-it-all guard, Austin Reaves. This guy does a little bit of everything, along with being an elite scorer. Reaves has a stat line of 17.7 PPG, 5/7 REB/G, and 4.7 AST. Oklahoma also has sharpshooter, Umoja Gibson, who contributes to the offense by way of superior 3pt shooting, hitting 41.5% of his 3s.

Missouri finished 7th in the SEC, which isn’t impressive, but to be fair, the SEC is very tough. Missouri started off the season scorching, winning 6 in a row and taking out Illinois and Oregon in the processes. They also took out Alabama and Tennessee not soon after. Their run of greatness would come to a screeching halt, as they lost 6 of their last 9 games. The Tigers look to get back to early-season form, entering this contest.

Mizzou depends on its trio of upperclassmen for consistent production. Guards, Xavier Pinson and Dru Smith, both put up 14 PPG and shoot over 35% from 3, respectively. Their senior big man, Jerimiah Tilmon, makes up the last part of their trio, as he averages 12 PPG and grabs 7 REB/G.

Oklahoma scores 75 PPG, which isn’t a top number in the country but is impressive enough for playing in the defensive-heavy BIG 12. They have been putting up some pretty big numbers against some of the best competition all year. They excel at holding on to the ball, only turning the ball over 11 times per game. They should look to continue to run up the score and keep limit their turnovers, raising their chances of victory.

Missouri is middle of the pack in both offense and defense, scoring 73.6 PPG and let up 72 PPG. The Tigers are another team that doesn’t statistically intrigue you, but if you watch them you know the damage they can do. just like Oklahoma, they have been taking down top teams all year, and they look to repeat that in this contest, in order to make their run in this tournament.

Betting Odds:

Oklahoma -1 (12-13 ATS)
-115 ML

Missouri +1 (12-13ATS)
-105 ML

O/U 139.5

Betting Trends:
*OKLA is 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games overall
*OKLA is 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss
*OKLA is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss

*MIZZ is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 NCAA Tourney games
*MIZZ is 1-7 in their last 8 games against a team with a winning record
*MIZZ Over is 5-1 in their last 6 Saturday games

March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews #1 GONZAGA VS #16 NORFOLK STATE

Gonzaga (26-0; 15-0 WCC) takes on Norfolk State (17-7; 8-4 MEAC) at Saturday, March 20th, at 9:20 pm on TBS

Gonzaga is, well, actually the best team in this whole tournament. The Zags have not even come close to losing a game this season. There are always skeptics about Gonzaga because of their conference, but they proved doubters wrong, as they beat Kansas, West Virginia, and Iowa. Simply put, these guys are no joke

The Zags are absolutely loaded on offense. Their top scorer, Corey Kispert, is seen as one of the best players in the nation, dropping 19 PPG and grabbing 5 REB/G, hitting an insane 44% of his 3s. Drew Timme is their big man who also averages 19 PPG but grabs 7 REB/G. If that wasn’t enough, their 3rd scoring option is an NBA Draft lottery prospect, Jalen Suggs, who has a solid stat line of 14 PPG, 5.5 REB/G, and 4.5 AST. This team is just simply not fair.

Norfolk State is actually on a very solid run themselves, coming off a nail-bitter in the First Four against Appalachian State. Junior guard Jalen Hawkins was the X-Factor in the game, dropping a swift 24 points off the bench, hitting 4 of his 5 three-pointers. The Spartans are on a 7 game win streak coming into this one.

I’m going to keep this short and sweet. Gonzaga has the actual BEST offense in the league, scoring an insane 92 PPG. They are also super-efficient converting on over half of their shots at 55.5%. I don’t like to say this because there are always upsets, but Norfolk State does not stand a sliver of a chance against this Zags super team.

Betting Odds:

Gonzaga -33 (12-12-2 ATS)
-8000 ML

Norfolk State +33 (13-8-1 ATS)
+1700 ML

O/U 154

Betting Trends:

*GONZ is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Saturday games
*GONZ is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games as neutral-site favorites
*GONZ Over is 11-2 in the last 13 neutral-site games

*NORF is 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games overall
*NORF is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS win
*NORF Under is 4-0 in their last 4 games as an underdog

March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews #7 OREGON VS #10 VCU

Oregon (20-6; 14-4 PAC 12) matches up against VCU (19-7; 10-4 A10) on Saturday, March 20th, at 9:57 pm on TNT

Oregon was on a 6 game winning streak before they lost in the PAC-12 champion, Oregon State. Oregon has been at the top of the PAC-12 all year, finishing 1st in the standings. They have solid wins over Colorado, Oregon State, and UCLA.

The Ducks are lead by their duo of seniors, Eugene Omoruyi, and Chris Duarte. Omorouyi is a transfer from Rutgers, who averages 16.7 PPG and 4.7 REB while shooting 38% from downtown. Duarte averages the same amount of points, but has a higher rebound number at 5.2 REB/G, and shoots the ball a little bit better at a very good 43% from 3.

VCU has been a great Atlantic 10 team this season, falling just short of a championship, losing to St. Bonaventure in the finals. The Rams finished 2nd in the standings. They don’t have much out-of-conference experience, however, they have a solid win over Utah State, and kept it close with West Virginia.

The Rams get a ton of production from their #1 scorer, Nah’Shon Hyland. The junior guard is the best player in his conference, winning A-10 player of the year. Hyland puts up great numbers, averaging 19.5 PPG and 4.7 REB/G, also knocking down 3s at a 37% clip. Hyland is their main option, but forward Vince Williams Jr. helps out, averaging 10.6 PPG and spraying from downtown at 41%

Oregon has an above-average offense, scoring 74.4 PPG. They find a lot of success because they take good shots and score efficiently, converting on 47% of their FG. Their dynamic duo should look to get going early so they can get their other teammates involved when the defense starts to focus on them. Getting good shots is critical in a win or go-home situation.

VCU possesses a top-tier defense, ranking in the top 50 in the country, allowing only 65 PPG. They play solid on-ball defense and are pesky with their active hands, as they rank in the top 5 in both steals and blocks. The Rams should use this to their advantage to frustrate Oregon and get their man, Hyland, some easy buckets to get him started. This matchup is a very intriguing one and I suggest everyone tune in.

Betting Odds:

Oregon -5.5 (14-12 ATS)
-230 ML

VCU +5.5 (14-12 ATS)
+190 ML

O/U 137.5

Betting Trends:

*ORE is 5-0-1 in the last 6 NCAA Tourney games
*ORE is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 overall
*ORE Over is 6-0 in their last 6 games following a straight-up loss

*VCU is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following an ATS loss
*VCU is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight-up loss
*VCU Over is 6-0 in their last 6 NCAA Tourney games


Thank you for reading my article, March Madness: Round of 64 – West Region Game Previews! The West has awesome matchups, and of course, the best team in the nation right now in Gonzaga. I like Oregon vs VCU, and Oklahoma vs Missouri. Both of these matchups have teams that are similar to each other, so it’ll be interesting to see who comes out on top. As always, I hope you enjoyed my previews, good luck, and happy betting!

Follow me on Twitter @marcoluismorales_1 to stay up to date with my hot takes!

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