When it comes to March Madness, you can throw the actual tournament seeding out the window for 8-seed vs 9-seed matchups.
The Boise State Broncos (8) enter the first round fresh off winning the Mountain West Tournament. As for the Memphis Tigers (9), they came up short against the Houston Cougars in the AAC Tournament Championship.
Both schools finished their seasons strong and will look to carry momentum into this game, which is slated for 1:45 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 17. Let’s take a closer look at this matchup and provide our Boise State vs Memphis predictions and best bets.
Boise State vs Memphis Odds
Boise State vs Memphis CBB gameday odds are current as of 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday, March 15, and courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Boise State (+125) vs Memphis (-145)
- Spread: Boise State +2.5 (-110) vs Memphis -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 133 (-110) / Under 133 (-110)
- Implied Score: Memphis 67.75, Boise State 65.25
Basketball Betting Play of the Day
Slam home your basketball bets with BetMGM’s welcome offer: New BetMGM Sportsbook customers can bet $10 to win $200 in free bets.
Make a $10 moneyline bet on any game. If either team makes a three-point basket, you’ll win!
🏀 NBA Bet $10, Win $200: .
🏀 College Basketball Bet $10, Win $200: Click here and use promo code GAMEDAYCBB.
Read Anthony Cervino’s hands-on BetMGM Sportsbook review to learn more.
🤔 Want a different BetMGM welcome offer? New users can instead get up to $1,000 bonus bets with code GAMEDAY. 👇
Boise State vs Memphis Prediction
Boise State started the season slow by dropping four of their first seven games. They promptly won 14 in a row, however, and ended up finishing 27-7.
Is their success merely a byproduct of playing in the Mountain West Conference? Possibly, but their record is still impressive nevertheless. The Broncos are a big team that can force turnovers.
- Print your 2022 March Madness bracket.
Memphis is an extremely talented team that also got off to a rocky start, going 9-8 over its first 17 games. Following the injury to Emoni Bates, however, the Tigers finally found some chemistry and success.
The Tigers are on a roll and have won 12 of their last 14 games, but they are reckless. They turn the ball over quite a bit and need to make their free throws. If they don’t get in their own way, however, they’re a dangerous team.
Boise State vs Memphis Score Pick
Memphis 71, Boise State 65
In the end, Memphis is the more talented team. Boise State has struggled against any team that’s worth an ounce of respect, and you absolutely need to respect this Tigers squad.
Boise State vs Memphis Best Bets
Memphis -2.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 2 Units
The balanced offensive attack of Memphis will be too much for Boise State. Everyone will be involved, which will make it tough on the Broncos’ defense.
As long as the Tigers convert at the free-throw line (since they’ll likely get many attempts), then this game should go their way. Back Memphis to cover the spread for our CBB bet of the day.
Over 133 Total Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The total has gone Over in five of Boise State’s last six games. Additionally, Memphis has scored over 70 points in 11 of their last 14 games. Both teams are going to put up points, and the total is going to go Over.
For history’s sake, we’ve also seen the Over hit 59.4% of the time in 8 vs. 9 matchups since 2001, making the Over the likely outcome.
