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After Sunday's March Madness slate, we have a three-day hiatus before the Sweet 16 begins Thursday. There's certainly been chaos, but massive favorites and top seeds have taken care of business - for the most part.
Let's dive into our three best bets for Sunday's Round of 32 slate.
(10) Colorado vs. (2) Marquette (-3.5, O/U 146.5)
After Marquette's Round of 64 win over Western Kentucky, head coach Shaka Smart said the team is "night and day" with and without Tyler Kolek. The guard returned to the lineup Friday and looked, for the most part, healthy.
That makes Marquette a national title contender. Kolek's the offensive engine on a team that has an elite defense. Colorado has had a good run from the First Four to the Round of 32, but the Buffaloes can't handle Marquette's ball pressure.
Colorado turns the ball over at an extremely high rate. Marquette's defense forces turnovers at one of the nation's best marks. The Golden Eagles should earn plenty of transition opportunities off turnovers as Colorado's guards struggle with their pressure.
Pick: Marquette -3.5
(12) James Madison vs. (4) Duke (-7.5, O/U 148.5)
James Madison led wire to wire against Wisconsin on Friday night in Brooklyn. While it was technically an upset based on the seeding and point spread, no one should be surprised at the result.
James Madison didn't look like a mid-major program. It was the more athletic, confident, talented, and physical group - on that night, at least. But that's what James Madison has been all season, including when it defeated Michigan State on opening night in November. Earning 32 wins in a college basketball season is no fluke, regardless of the competition.
The team's journey isn't over. Duke let Vermont hang around Friday before pulling away in the second half. The Blue Devils have an explosive offense - ranked seventh in the country - but are inconsistent. Duke went 3-3 over the final six games before the Big Dance. It has more talent than James Madison but still lacks depth. Poor scoring performances from its guards could derail the offense.
James Madison fits the profile of a Cinderella. It has a physical, gritty group that shoots the 3-pointer well and doesn't turn the ball over. Don't be surprised if this comes down to the final seconds and James Madison shocks the world.
Pick: James Madison +7.5
Baylor team total: Over 74.5 points
Clemson was foolishly made an underdog against an overrated New Mexico group. The Tigers handled their business and have a date with a more talented, well-coached Baylor team.
Baylor cruised past an inadequate Colgate squad in the opening round. Scott Drew teams are typically defensive-oriented and know how to win at this time of the year. This iteration has a top-five offense in the country. Baylor's only offensive weakness is it turns the ball over too often. That shouldn't be a problem against a lax Clemson defense that rarely forces any turnovers.
Baylor should exploit Clemson's defensive holes and put up a high-scoring effort, though the Bears' team total is the safer pick.
Odds: -110
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.
