Daily Prediction Markets - March 20, 2026
Daily Prediction Markets on OG.com for March 20, 2026
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The Round of 64 concludes Friday with the final 16 matchups. Today's slate features several "blue blood" programs facing high-efficiency mid-majors and a mix of defensive stalwarts looking to avoid the Friday upset.
Predicting College Basketball: Friday Round of 64
(7) Kentucky vs. (10) Santa Clara
Kentucky (21-13, 10-8 SEC) enters as a 3.5-point favorite in a matchup analytics suggest could be one of the closest of the round. The Wildcats average 80.8 PPG but have struggled with consistency, dropping a decision to Florida in the SEC quarterfinals. Santa Clara (26-8, 15-3 WCC) features a high-powered offense averaging 82.9 PPG and ranks as a top-40 unit in adjusted efficiency. Statistically, the Broncos are a perimeter-heavy threat, taking 29.2 threes per game (22nd in NCAA) and ranking 19th nationally in offensive rebounding rate (36.7%). Kentucky’s primary challenge will be defending the arc against a Santa Clara roster that boasts three shooters over 35%.
(5) Texas Tech vs. (12) Akron
Texas Tech (28-5, 15-3 Big 12) enters the tournament ranking 5th nationally in three-point volume (11.5 makes per game) and 6th in accuracy (39.3%). They are led by sophomore guard Christian Anderson, who averages 18.9 PPG and leads the Big 12 with 7.6 assists per game. Akron (29-5, 17-1 MAC) counters with a top-10 offense that scores 88.4 PPG and enters on a 10-game winning streak. Statistically, both teams rely on elite guard play and perimeter shooting, but Akron holds an edge in distribution, ranking 7th in the nation with 18.4 assists per game. Notably, both teams carry nearly identical turnover rates despite playing at significantly different paces.
(4) Alabama vs. (13) Hofstra
Alabama (23-9, 13-5 SEC) features one of the most prolific offenses in the country, ranking 1st nationally in points per game (91.7 PPG). They are led by sophomore standout Labaron Philon (21.7 PPG) but rank 291st in defensive efficiency, having allowed 100+ points on multiple occasions. Hofstra (24-10, 14-4 CAA) enters on a tear, winning 10 of their last 11 games to clinch the CAA title. The Pride is led by CAA Player of the Year Cruz Davis (20.2 PPG) and counters with a top-20 defense that holds opponents to just 66.1 PPG. This is a classic "clash of styles" between Alabama’s high-tempo attack and Hofstra’s stifling defense and veteran guard play.
(4) Kansas vs. (13) California Baptist
Kansas (23-10, 10-8 Big 12) is making its 36th consecutive tournament appearance, the longest streak in history. The Jayhawks average 75.6 PPG and are led by guard Darryn Peterson (19.8 PPG). California Baptist (25-8, 13-5 WAC) is making its NCAA Tournament debut on a six-game winning streak. The Lancers are led by Dominique Daniels Jr., who ranks 5th nationally in scoring at 23.2 PPG. Statistically, CBU is one of the top rebounding teams in the nation (39.9 RPG), holding the #18 rebounding margin (+7.3) in Division I. Kansas will look to use its tournament experience to overcome a CBU unit that has proven competitive against high-major opponents this season.
(3) Virginia vs. (14) Wright State
Virginia (29-5, 13-2 ACC) enters under first-year coach Ryan Odom with an elite defensive identity and a modern, efficient offense. The Cavaliers excel at controlling tempo and forcing opponents into low-percentage shots. Wright State (23-11, 13-7 Horizon) comes in hot after dominating the Horizon League tournament. The Raiders play with high aggression, attacking the rim and looking to create chaos in transition. Statistically, Virginia is a heavy favorite due to defensive efficiency, but Wright State’s momentum gives them a chance if they can successfully speed up the game and create extra possessions.
(2) UConn vs. (15) Furman
UConn (29-5, 15-5 Big East) reclaimed the Big East title and enters looking for a third title under Dan Hurley. The Huskies are led by Tarris Reed Jr., a "monster on the glass" averaging 13.7 PPG and 8.1 RPG. Furman (22-12, 11-7 SoCon) enters the tournament healthy after winning the SoCon Tournament as a 6-seed. While UConn is a massive favorite, Furman features elite height with two 6-foot-11 starters and a history of tournament upsets. Statistically, UConn’s defense and rebounding volume are the primary hurdles for a Furman team that is 4-1 against the spread in their last five games away from home.
(7) Miami (FL) vs. (10) Missouri
Miami (25-8, 13-5 ACC) turned a 7-24 season into a top-tier tournament entry under coach Jai Lucas, led by first-team All-ACC forward Malik Reneau (18.8 PPG). Missouri (20-12, 10-8 SEC) lands in a favorable position playing in its home state in St. Louis. Miami finished first in the ACC in field-goal percentage (50.1%) and second in rebound differential (+7.4). Missouri features a top-40 offense in adjusted efficiency but has struggled defensively, ranking 238th in points allowed. This matchup is considered a toss-up by many analysts, with Missouri's "home-court" environment in St. Louis serving as a potential X-factor.
(1) Arizona vs. (16) LIU
Arizona (32-2, 16-2 Big 12) enters as a dominant force after capturing both the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles. The Wildcats lead the West Region with a top-five ranking in both offensive and defensive efficiency. LIU (24-10, 15-3 NEC) secured its spot by winning the NEC Tournament on a five-game winning streak. Statistically, Arizona leads the nation in rebounding at 42.4 RPG, while LIU relies on a veteran roster and a top-50 national steal rate. The matchup features Big 12 Player of the Year Jaden Bradley (Arizona) against a Sharks squad looking to manage Arizona's elite interior length.
(2) Iowa State vs. (15) Tennessee State
Iowa State (27-7, 12-6 Big 12) has maintained its identity as a top-15 defensive unit for five consecutive seasons under coach T.J. Otzelberger. They feature Milan Momcilovic, who leads the country in three-point percentage. Tennessee State (30-2, 16-2 OVC) ends a 32-year tournament drought after winning both the OVC regular-season and tournament titles. Statistically, the Tigers average more rebounds and steals than the Cyclones, but they face an Iowa State defense that ranks 6th in the NET and slots in at #6 in KenPom. Iowa State has 30 wins over top-25 teams since 2021, the fifth-most in the nation.
(5) St. John's vs. (12) Northern Iowa
St. John's (28-6, 18-2 Big East) is led by Big East Player of the Year Zuby Ejofor, who averages 16.3 PPG and a league-high 73 blocks. The Red Storm rely on winning possession battles on the glass and via turnovers. Northern Iowa (23-12, 11-9 MVC) enters as the lowest-seeded MVC champion in history after winning four games in four days. Statistically, the Panthers rank 3rd in Division I in three-point defense, limiting opponents to 28.5%. This game is a contrast in tempo: St. John's thrives on volume, while Northern Iowa ranks 363rd nationally in adjusted tempo, seeking to limit possessions and increase variance.
(7) UCLA vs. (10) UCF
UCLA (23-11, 6th Big Ten) reached the conference tournament semifinals fueled by three home wins over top-10 teams. The Bruins rank 6th nationally in ball security, averaging just 8.9 turnovers per game. UCF (21-11, 9-9 Big 12) secured an at-large bid after recording five Quad-1 wins, including an upset of Kansas. Statistically, UCF’s offense ranks 6th in the Big 12 at 81 PPG, while UCLA holds opponents to 71 PPG. The Knights rely on a high-rebounding physical style, while the Bruins prioritize a disciplined, low-turnover offense.
(8) Villanova vs. (9) Utah State
Villanova (24-8, 15-5 Big East) makes its return to the tournament after a one-year hiatus. The Wildcats shoot 45.7% from the field and are led by junior guard Tyler Perkins (13.7 PPG). Utah State (28-6, 15-5 Mountain West) enters as the Mountain West regular-season champion. The Aggies are a slight betting favorite, having won four in a row and ranking highly in transition efficiency. Statistically, Villanova is a more deliberate, slow-paced unit, while Utah State seeks to capitalize on a high-scoring season where they averaged 77.2 PPG.
(2) Purdue vs. (15) Queens (NC)
Purdue (27-8, 13-7 Big Ten) is a top-two seed for the eighth time in school history and ranks 1st nationally in offensive efficiency. They lead the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.2) and average 19.9 assists per game. Queens (21-13, 12-6 ASUN) is making its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in just its fourth season as a D1 program. Statistically, Queens ranks 2nd in the nation in two-point percentage (62%) and 9th in eFG%. However, they also allow 82.9 PPG, the 7th-highest in Division I, which matches up poorly against a Purdue offense that ranks as the most efficient in the country.
Important Information
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References:
- KenPom College Basketball Ratings (March 2026)
- NCAA Statistics Database: 2025-26 Team Leaders
- Official University Athletics: Kentucky, Texas Tech, Arizona, Iowa State, St. John's, UCLA, Villanova, and Purdue Cumulative Stats
- SportsLine Projection Model & Sling TV Sports Data (March 19, 2026)