2025 NCAA Tournament Picks & Predictions: Round 2 (Saturday)
The Midwest is easily the most exciting region heading into today’s NCAA Tournament second-round action.
We’ll start the day with McNeese State against Purdue. The Midwest will also feature Gonzaga-Houston and UCLA-Tennessee.
I’ve got the best bets for all three games. Take a look below.
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NCAA Tournament Best Round 2 Bets (Saturday)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
No. 12 McNeese Cowboys vs. No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers
The McNeese Cowboys surprised some people with a victory over No. 5 Clemson. But that win over Clemson was by just two points. The Cowboys almost blew a massive lead in the closing minutes after some lackadaisical plays. If there were a minute left in that game, Clemson likely would’ve escaped with a win.
Meanwhile, the Purdue Boilermakers added a comfortable 75-63 win over the High Point Panthers. They held onto their lead throughout the entire second half.
Ultimately, Purdue is a top-tier offense. They’ve shot a 56.1% effective field goal percentage and have hit 38.3% of threes this season. McNeese has plenty of athleticism, but the Cowboys have also allowed 31.4% of offensive rebounds per game this season. Purdue should get good looks, but if those don’t fall, expect the Boilermakers to clean up the glass way better than Clemson did.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys should be able to dominate inside the arc against Purdue. The Boilermakers have allowed 56.3% from inside the arc this season, which is 348th in college basketball. Purdue has defended the three well and should hold McNeese off the offensive glass at a better rate than Clemson. Still, if McNeese adjusts, they’ll add plenty of easy baskets around the rim.
The over is calling my name in this game.
Pick: Over 142.5 (-115)
No. 8 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. No. 1 Houston Cougars
The Houston Cougars are likely one of the only defenses that can get stops against the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Houston ranks No. 2 in the nation in adjusted efficiency on defense. The Cougars have also allowed just 30.2% from three and 44.3% from inside the arc. Houston might foul a little more than it’d like, but Gonzaga isn’t super aggressive at getting to the foul line, either.
The Bulldogs also don’t take a high rate of three-point shots. They’ve only scored 25.8% from downtown. They’ll look to score around the rim, where Houston is one of the best in the country. The Cougars have blocked 15.9% of shots this season, which ranks sixth in college basketball.
On the other hand, the Cougars have hit only 48.9% from inside the arc. They’ve been much better from downtown, hitting 39.6% from deep. The Cougars, like Gonzaga, don’t shoot threes at a high rate. Just know that Houston will likely earn more offensive rebounds in this game. Those extra second chances should help Houston survive against the Bulldogs.
Pick: Houston -5.5 (-120)
No. 7 UCLA Bruins vs. No. 2 Tennessee Volunteers
The UCLA Bruins looked like a No. 2 seed after its 72-47 win against the Utah State Aggies. However, they won’t look like one against the Tennessee Volunteers.
Tennessee ranks third in the nation in adjusted efficiency on defense, per KenPom. They’ve held teams to 28.2% from three and 46.6% from inside the arc. UCLA will have to work. Meanwhile, the Bruins aren’t an elite offense. They’ve shot a 53.1% effective field goal percentage but don’t stand out in any one category. Ultimately, the Bruins are good at limiting blocks. That’s something they’ll have to do against Tennessee. After all, the Volunteers have averaged 15.9% of blocks per game this season.
On the other hand, the Bruins already foul at a higher rate. UCLA is good at forcing turnovers but will likely struggle to earn enough against a Tennessee team that has allowed only 15.8% of turnovers per game this season. In addition, Tennessee is a much better free-throw shooting team and has hit 54.3% from inside the arc. This is significant because UCLA has allowed opponents to shoot 51.1% from inside the arc throughout the season.
The Vols are also a little more active on the offensive glass, which should set up for more second-chance points. Upsets are fun. But to me, it’s unlikely that the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in this region get beat tonight.
Give me Tennessee -5.5.
Pick: Tennessee -5.5 (-105)