NCAA Tournament Round of 32 Betting Preview

Mar 20, 2016

NCAA Tournament betting preview, NCAA Tournament sports picks, NCAA Tournament

Hawaii is more than capable of advancing to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament behind an efficient offense that is averaging 77.6 points per game (46.8% FG) against teams that would combine to allow 77.6 points per game. Hawaii is also shooting 46.5% from the field on the road and 47.6% over its last five games so I don’t envision the Warriors struggling against a solid Maryland stop unit that is 6.0 points per game better than average (66.5 points per game to teams that would combine to average 72.5 points per game).

Hawaii is ranked 21st nationally in scoring margin (+11.1), 19th in free throw attempts (833), 36th in free throws made (567), 64th in scoring offense (77.6), 65th in field goal percentage (.462), 40th in assists per game (15.8) and 49th in total assists (504).

The Warriors also possess a very good defense that is limiting opponents to just 66.5 points per game on 39.5% shooting from the field and 30.8% from beyond the arc. Hawaii’s defense has only gotten better in postseason play, holding foes to a mere 64.0 points per game (38.5% FG; 25.5% 3-PT). The Warriors should have success slowing down a good Maryland attack that is 6.5 points per game better than average (76.1 points per game against teams that would combine to allow 69.6 points per game).

Hawaii is ranked 26th nationally in field goal percentage defense (.398), 34th in three-point field goal defense (.315), 28th in steals per game (7.9), 32nd in total steals (252), 39th in turnovers forced (14.8), 50th in rebound margin (+4.7) and 75th in defensive rebounds per game (26.8).

From a technical standpoint, Hawaii is a profitable 4-0 ATS in its last four non-conference games, 4-0 ATS in its last four games versus Big Ten Conference opposition and 7-3 ATS in its last ten games versus teams with a winning record, including 5-1 ATS versus .601 or greater opposition. In contrast, the Terrapins are a money-burning 0-4 ATS in their last four NCAA Tournament games and 1-4-1 ATS in their last six games versus .501 or greater opposition. Grab the points with the Warriors in this NCAA Tournament clash!

Oskeim Sports’ NCAA Tournament Free Pick: Hawaii (+7)