Hearts were broken when the NCAA men’s basketball tournament was canceled last season. But, knock on wood, it’s looking like we’ll see the best college basketball players take the floor next month. In this piece, we’ve got our March Madness picks for the 2021 Big Dance set for you. Who will end up winning?
Will this be the year the Mark Few powers the team from Spokane, Wash. to its first-ever National Championship? As things stand, Gonzaga holds the best odds leading up to March Madness. As of this writing, the team is a perfect 20-0 on the season. Seriously? This group has been sensational.
For years now, Few has had Gonzaga as one of the best programs in the country. The Bulldogs nearly won the title back in 2017, but they, unfortunately, ran into Roy Williams and the North Carolina Tar Heels in the championship game. Gonzaga nearly pulled off an upset, but UNC went on to win that game 71-65.
| March Madness odds |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga | +275 | +275 | +275 | +275 |
| Baylor | +300 | +300 | +300 | +300 |
| Michigan | +800 | +800 | +800 | +800 |
| Villanova | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
Now looking ahead to the 2021 tournament, Gonzaga is listed with its Las Vegas odds at +275. This tells you that the Vegas sportsbooks really do think that this could be the year that Gonzaga is able to put everything together and bring the trophy back to eastern Washington. Will that be the case?
In March Madness, picking one team to win it all before the tournament to start is such a difficult challenge, especially with 68 teams in the tourney. While Gonzaga has the best odds, they’re not our pick to win it all. The lack of elite competition in the WCC is why we’re picking against them, instead of going with Michigan instead.
If you’re wondering why we’re going against Gonzaga, well, here’s why we’re picking the Michigan Wolverines to win it all. The Big Ten powerhouse is also in the middle of an incredible season, as they’re 14-1 on the year. The job that program legend Juwan Howard has been able to do has been outstanding.
The Wolverines, who hold +800 odds to win the National Championship, sit in the first place of the Big Ten standings and are fresh off a strong win over Wisconsin on Feb. 14. On the season, the team has been led in scoring by Isaiah Livers and his 15 points per game. Don’t forget about the great play of Hunter Dickinson too.
The star center has been a terror in the low post, averaging 14.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. Also, the team has been receiving strong performances from Franz Wagner, Eli Brooks, Chaundee Brown, Mike Smith and others. With so much balance on the team, no one will want to face them in the tourney.
While Gonzaga, Baylor (+300 odds), Ohio State, Villanova, Houston, Illinois, and others will also be serious threats to win the title this year, we’ve got a special feeling about Michigan. Howard has his guys looking unstoppable this year and we think the campaign will end by them cutting nets down. Michigan is our pick.
While Gonzaga, Baylor, Michigan, and Villanova are receiving plenty of love as March Madness contenders, Ohio State could be a sneaky sleeper pick for the tournament. The Buckeyes themselves shouldn’t be slept on, as they have made plenty of noise in the Big Ten as well.
Ohio State is 17-4 on the season through their first 21 games. They have some impressive victories on their resume, highlighted by Ws over Rutgers, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Despite being underdogs for road games against stiff competition, the Buckeyes have proven time and time again they can win.
Come to the NCAA tournament, this is another team that no one will want to face. Ohio State is led in scoring by standout forward E.J. Liddell, who is pouring in 15.1 points per game. Guard Duane Washington Jr. is also having a big year, scoring 14.6 points per outing. Their clutch shooting is tough to match.
Ohio State holds +2200 odds, meaning they’re indeed huge underdogs to go on to win it all. However, if you’re looking for a sleeper pick, these guys may have what it takes to stun the college basketball world. They’ve already recorded upset wins this year. Don’t be surprised to see them keep it going in March.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
