The men's NCAA Tournament ends tonight, as the UConn Huskies battle the Purdue Boilermakers. Both teams have advanced to the title game with relative ease, as only one game was decided by fewer than 10 points. In the case of the Huskies, all of their games were decided by 14 or more.
Here are the three best March Madness PrizePicks plays for Monday, April 8.
Best NCAA Tournament PrizePicks Predictions
Zach Edey Under 24.5 points
The NC State Wolfpack did a great job defending Edey. Yes, he still ended up with 20 points, but he also turned the ball over five times, and he only scored six points in the second half. Expect the Huskies to use their guards similarly to the Wolfpack by swarming Edey whenever he gets the ball, especially when he dribbles.
The men's NCAA Tournament ends tonight, as the UConn Huskies battle the Purdue Boilermakers. Both teams have advanced to the title game with relative ease, as only one game was decided by fewer than 10 points. In the case of the Huskies, all of their games were decided by 14 or more.
Here are the three best March Madness PrizePicks plays for Monday, April 8.
Best NCAA Tournament PrizePicks Predictions
Zach Edey Under 24.5 points
The NC State Wolfpack did a great job defending Edey. Yes, he still ended up with 20 points, but he also turned the ball over five times, and he only scored six points in the second half. Expect the Huskies to use their guards similarly to the Wolfpack by swarming Edey whenever he gets the ball, especially when he dribbles.
However, the real difference-maker in this game is Donovan Clingan. At 7'2″, he will be a problem for Edey in the paint. Edey loves to back down his opponents, get to his spot, and throw up a perfect hook shot. Everything about that play is going to be more difficult for Edey tonight. Additionally, Clingan has just 10 fouls this tournament, so he should be able to stay out of foul trouble again. Edey will have to contend with the best all night.
Fletcher Loyer Over 1.5 three-pointers
Loyer was 3-of-5 from deep in Saturday's win over the Wolfpack. It was the third time this tournament that he made at least two three-pointers in a game. He's attempted at least four three-pointers in each of his last three games, and during that span, he's 6-of-14 from deep.
Loyer benefits from how defenses have to adjust to Edey. If the Huskies double-team Edey throughout the game, as they are expected to, then Loyer will be left open on the arc throughout the contest. The Huskies have a great three-point defense, but in this unique scenario, expect Loyer to continue shooting the ball well from beyond the arc.
Tristan Newton Over 5.5 assists
After combining for just nine assists against Illinois and San Diego State, Newton got back to what he does best, racking up nine assists for his teammates in the Final Four. Newton has now gone for at least eight assists in three of his five games this tournament, and he got at least four in each contest.
Because the Boilermakers are the strongest competition Newton has faced in this tournament, this number is lower than it should be. However, the solid competition may be exactly what Newton needs. While he's been able to step to the side in quite a few games this tournament, the Huskies will need him for all 40 minutes tonight. In a high-scoring back-and-forth affair, look for Newton to top his season average of 6.2 assists.
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:
Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.
