Cougars vs Bulldogs Bets continue our Round 1 Vegas odds for March Madness online betting buffet. With tournament games now being played, it only made sense to step right into the craziness that is a 16-game Thursday. The winner between these two teams is expected to draw an extremely motived Iowa State Cyclones team. This East regional gets the reputation of being stacked for a good reason.
Cougars vs Bulldogs Bets end night one on Thursday night. Now, Kansas and Samford tip off approximately ten minutes before and there will be a few eyes on that game. This is only because no one knows what form the Jayhawks will be in. However, these two teams expect to duke it out. Even the sportsbooks have gone back and forth will this one over the past couple of days. Currently, Washington State is a 1.5-point underdog.
The East might truly be the “Region Of Death.” Maybe, that is a slight exaggeration. However, it is far from easy. Florida Atlantic (made the Final Four) is here along with the top-seeded UConn Huskies. Add in the second-seeded Iowa State Cyclones then third-seeded Illinois. Think about it. Those schools won the Big East, Big 12, and Big 10 Tournaments respectively.
Guard play proves to be vital and the big question is can Washington State slow down Tucker DeVries of Drake? The 6-foot 7 Swing Guard averages more than 21 points a contest. He grabs nearly seven rebounds and dishes out 3.6 assists a night. The Cougars do have a few tall Guards who can cover DeVries. Even Forward Jaylen Wells has the speed to move to a three position in order to shadow Drake’s taller Guards.
Again, do not worry about futures here. The belief is that Washington State could be a dark horse in this region. Bovada Online Sportsbook Review likes them a little more than most. Furthermore, their defense has a versatility that some of the top teams in the region possess. Can their offense deliver?
Cougars vs Bulldogs Bets rely on Jones and Rice. Washington State asks a Freshman to step up and delivers. However. Myles Rice is no ordinary Freshman. Kyle Smith maintained this point early in the season by having faith in the young Guard. Rice delivered often and averages 15.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per contest. Rice is the most active shooter on the team attempting 12.5 shots a game.
As much as Jaylen Wells is versatile, Isaac Jones is leaned on more by Washington State in the late moments of games. Jones possesses the best ability to control the glass and that is something Drake does not do well. Washington State gets several more offensive rebounds on average and that could make a difference in a close game like this is projected to be.
Yes, both teams are not too far off in foul shots attempts. It will be interesting to see the athleticism of the Cougars up against a high-tempo Drake team. Again, the more Washington State pounds inside via transition or isolation plays, the better chance the Cougars have of winning. The MVC Tourney Champs will be no pushover as Washington State will get a stern test.
Bettors expected Washington State to be the slight favorite here but the books and some early money has sided with Drake. The Cougars have moved to +105 on the moneyline via Bovada. That works here!
Cougars vs Bulldogs Bets ponder whether to prop or not to prop. The biggest concern in this game is who truly will control the pace? Will Drake try to jump out early or will Washington State force them to be more deliberate than usual. Remember, Washington State likes to play in the 70’s but not into the 80’s. That is why some are surprised about that 137.5 Over/Under. Defensively, the team allow close to 140 combined.
Then again, maybe the spread does not offer as much value as some of the props being dangled by Bovada. So, the belief is Wells may get more points than Jones in this game. Wells represents Washington State’s best shooter in terms of three-point percentage (42.5%). He can step up in big moments (27 points against UCLA). While Jones plays more defense, Wells may be given liberties to attack the hoop or step back and drain the threes.
College Basketball Props like the idea of playing on the Wells angle. He has made 3+ threes in three of the last four Washington State games. That alternate bet rolls in at +175 and the Over of 12.5 points is now EVEN. That was -115 early on Tuesday. Do not let the books scare you off. Tucker DeVries probably gets 3+ threes at well and that prop is EVEN too. The Drake Guard will take a lot of shots.
The best Vegas NCAA basketball online betting sites focus on Round One. Some of these games are going to be something else. Who knows which Kansas we see or if a five-seed actually beats a 12 this year (none did last year). Then again, most brackets were busted by Saturday in 2023.
Simply, we like Washington State to buck the trend and potentially have a chance on Saturday against Iowa State. Remember to go in with a strategy in your bankroll and do not go spend most or all of it in one place. Good luck!
