March Madness Second Round Picks: Best Bets, Including Iowa State vs. Ole Miss

CBB Game Previews, College Basketball, March Madness, News

Written By Eli Hershkovich | Last Updated March 24, 2025

With the best sports betting sites posting second-round odds for March Madness, I’ll compile my best bets for individual games in this column, including Wisconsin vs. BYU. Within the next 24 hours, I’ll add more picks in this column. I recommend bookmarking this article so you don’t miss any second-round predictions.

Click any second-round odds to place a bet. We highly recommend checking out the best sportsbook promos for additional offers. If you’re in Illinois, sign up for the bet365 Illinois bonus code. This operator is now in the Prairie State!

March Madness second round: odds, picks, predictions

Find the best March Madness betting sites to take advantage of the top promos and bonus codes for your second-round bets.

Wisconsin vs. byu odds: spread, moneyline, total

Will No. 6 Seed Cougars Upset No. 3 Seed Badgers?

After both favorites advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament, I believe Kevin Young’s pro-style attack is well-equipped to handle Wisconsin’s drop coverage. This defensive structure is intended to stymie pick-and-roll action, preventing the ball-handler from penetrating the lane.

As a result, the Badgers rank 251st nationally in open three-point rate allowed. Conversely, the Cougars’ four-out offense has manufactured the 18th-highest perimeter scoring rate while dialing up a pristine 37% clip.

Unless veteran marksman Trevon Knell and Co. are flat-out missing open jumpers, they’re built to exploit Wisconsin’s leaky defense around the arc, particularly in transition. They also present the length to combat the Badgers’ on the glass, which will help generate those fast-break opportunities.

Remember that Wisconsin is playing its sixth game in 10 days. Therefore, the high altitude could benefit the Cougars. They’re attuned to playing at elevation (4,551 feet) in Provo, Utah.

On Friday, I wagered on BYU +1.5 (-115 at FanDuel Sportsbook). You’ll find this bet on our free sports betting Discord channel, where you can enroll in push notifications to your mobile device by heading to the #roles server.

Related: Texas A&M vs. Michigan Odds & Promos

tennesssee vs. ucla odds: spread, moneyline, total

Is This Line Inflated?

We’re set up for a low-possession grinder between methodical offenses and elite defenses. With points at a premium, I’m betting on the underdog to keep it close. Mick Cronin’s squad is ultra-reliant and efficient in the mid-range, ranking in the 89th percentile or higher in both respects (via CBB Analytics). This script should bode well versus Tennessee’s rim-denial defense.

On Saturday morning, I wagered on UCLA +5.5 (-115 at BetMGM Sportsbook).

florida vs. uconn odds: spread, moneyline, total

Trust Two-Time Defending Champs?

This game will depend on how it’s officiated. If UConn can play physically, the Huskies match up well with the Gators’ front line, allowing them to compete on the glass. Otherwise, depth is an issue behind Samson Johnson and Tarris Reed.

I’ll take my chances against a Florida defense that could undergo some negative variance throughout the tournament. Todd Golden’s bunch ranks fifth in three-point efficiency allowed (29.3%). According to ShotQuality, it should be closer to 34%.

On Sunday, I wagered on UConn +9.5 (-110 at Caesars Sportsbook).

Iowa state vs. ole miss odds: spread, moneyline, total

No. 3 Seed Cyclones On Upset Alert?

After cashing in with the Rebels in the first round, I’m returning to the well.

The Cyclones’ point guard, Keshon Gilbert (groin), is out for the tournament. Without their floor general on the court, their turnover rate is 2.4 percentage points higher. ISU could struggle to limit its miscues against Beard’s pressure-centric defense, tied with Maryland for the 30th-most takeaways per game (14.3).

Unlike Wisconsin vs. BYU, Iowa State will have a considerable size edge over Ole Miss. However, the Rebels’ turnover-hunting prowess has mitigated this issue all season. If they control the tempo with their defense and carry over their spot-up shooting from their win against UNC, I expect them to hang within two possessions.

Remember that during the month leading up to the NCAA tournament, Ole Miss produced the 11th-worst net three-point clip (-8.1%). They’ve been due for some long-range positive variance for quite a while.

On Friday, I wagered on Ole Miss +5.5 (-110), which you’ll see in our abovementioned Discord channel. Good luck with all your second-round bets!

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