There is no time to rest no matter how mad March has become. With a flurry of prop bets still to be made in the second round of March Madness, we’re turning the page from a thrilling Round 1 and looking ahead.
It is not the bracket we expected, although it’s one we’ll gladly embrace. Here are some of our favorite prop bets for the second round of college basketball’s NCAA Tournament.
March Madness Game Props
All CBB odds used for these props are current as of 10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 17, and are courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Texas vs. Penn State: Texas First to 15 Points (-135) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Penn State’s momentum to reach this point has been exceptional. Give the Nittany Lions credit.
But few teams have the momentum Texas has entering the second round, and I believe that momentum carries over here. A dominating win over Colgate as a strong favorite doesn’t tell the full story, but it is the continuation of an exceptionally strong run.
Texas jumps out to an early lead against Penn State and doesn’t look back.
Houston vs. Auburn: Auburn First to 15 Points (+115) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Cougars are hurting. There is no other way around it. Star guard Marcus Sasser is injured, and Houston does not have an unbeatable aura surrounding it at the moment.
Auburn, meanwhile, has disappointed, although it showcased length, athleticism and plenty of skill against Iowa in the opening round.
It feels like Houston’s sluggish first half against Northern Kentucky could linger, and I expect that to happen in this first half.
Kansas vs. Arkansas: Over 67 First-Half Points (-110) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The point spread points us toward a tight ball game, and I don’t necessarily disagree. The question when it comes to this bet is a little simpler: what kind of game will we get?
It feels like points are coming. While both teams were excellent defensive groups during the regular season, 57 seems reasonable as a whole. Arkansas pushes Kansas in a massive game, and we head to the half with a point total in the upper 60s or 70s.
March Madness Player Props
Missouri vs. Princeton: D’Moi Hodge Over 17.5 Points (-125) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Missouri senior is on a heater, and we’re here for it.
Hodge has scored 20+ points in four of the past five, and there’s no reason his chances of doing it again should change against Princeton, which just toppled Arizona.
While the Tigers will likely be a worthy adversary, Hodge should be extremely productive regardless.
Tennessee vs Duke: Jeremy Roach Over 14.5 Points (-105) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Blue Devils are on fire, and Roach is a big part. His back-to-back 23-point games have helped catapult Duke forward.
While he averaged less than 14 points per game during the regular season, Roach and Duke have found a new rhythm. Tennessee will present a much different challenge, although the Blue Devils should be up for it.
Roach approaches 20 points again and nearly clears the Over in the first 20 minutes.
