Here is ESPN Chalk's betting recap for every game of the 2017 NCAA men's basketball tournament.
We'll grade the results against my ViewFromVegas Consensus Closing Lines using the 13 Las Vegas-based sportsbooks on the Don Best odds screen. We use the closing lines for grading purposes, as they're the final odds that have been set after the oddsmakers, bookmakers, sharps and squares had their input to set the closing numbers. Some bettors' lines will differ, depending on where and when they wagered, so we'll point out when that's the case.
We'll also recap the overall results with regard to how favorites fare against underdogs, overs versus unders and other betting trends that emerge during the tournament.
Note: All spreads from Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook. All times Eastern.
Notable Vegas bets
Title game: Favorite went 1-0 ATS with North Carolina's spread-covering victory on Monday night. Under was 1-0.
Tournament update: Underdogs finished up going 34-25-3 ATS (57.6 percent) with one game closing pick 'em. Overs finished 34-28-1 (54.8 percent).
National Championship
9:20 p.m.
No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (-1.5) vs.
No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs
Closing total: 155
Score: North Carolina 71, Gonzaga 65
Gonzaga controlled most of the first half and held on for a 35-32 halftime lead, covering as 1/2-point, first half underdog and minus-105 on the first half money line. It stayed under the first half total of 73. North Carolina opened the second half with an 8-0 run but Gonzaga responded with an 8-0 lead of its own as the second half went back and forth. Gonzaga led 63-62 with 2:25 to play, but the Tar Heels closed with a 9-2 run the rest of the game to not only win but cover as 1.5-point favorites. The game stayed well under the betting total of 155 points. North Carolina won the second half, 39-30, covering as a 2-point, second-half fave as it stayed a dozen points under the second half total of 81.
Winner: North Carolina
ATS winner: North Carolina
Over/under: Under
Final Four
9 p.m.
No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (-4.5) vs.
No. 3 Oregon Ducks
Closing total: 153.5
Score: North Carolina 77, Oregon 76
North Carolina jumped out to a 5-0 lead, but Oregon clawed its way back into the game and led for a good portion of the first half, including a 30-22 lead with 4:07 before halftime. However, the Tar Heels went on a 17-6 run to end the half to not only take a 39-36 lead but cover as 2.5-point, first-half favorites. It went over the first half over/under of 72 points on Kennedy Meek's layup with 1:11 left in the half that helped North Carolina regain the lead at 37-36. Oregon scored the first basket of the second half, but the Tar Heels went on a 7-0 run to open up an 8-point lead.
North Carolina mostly held Oregon at bay during the second half until the Ducks rallied and got within the spread on Tyler Dorsey's 3-pointer with 42 seconds remaining. The Tar Heels held on for the 77-76 win (thanks to rebounding their missed free throws in the closing seconds), but the Ducks covered as 4.5-point underdogs. The closing total was 153.5 and it was just half a point short at 77-76 in the closing seconds, but North Carolina missed four straight free throws to keep it under (note: earlier over bettors cashed as it opened as low as 148.5 and slowly climbed all week; only the latest over bettors pushed on 153 or lost on 153.5). The Ducks also won the second half, 40-38, as 2-point, second half underdogs as it stayed under the second-half total of 81.
Winner: North Carolina
ATS winner: Oregon
Over/under: Under
6:05 p.m.
No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (-6.5) vs.
No. 7 South Carolina Gamecocks
Closing total: 138
Score: Gonzaga 77, South Carolina 73
It was a fast-paced first half and tied 31-31, but Gonzaga closed with a 14-5 run to lead 45-36 at intermission and cover as a 3.5-point, first half favorite (it flew over the first half total of 64 points). Gonzaga looked like it was taking control in the second half, leading by 14 points, 65-51, with 10:55 to play, but South Carolina responded with a 16-0 run to take the lead 67-65 before Gonzaga answered with a 7-0 run of its own (and put the game over the betting total of 138 points at 72-67 with 4:49 left). It stayed close from there as South Carolina covered as the 6.5-point underdog. The Gamecocks did win the second half, 37-32, as a 1-point, second half underdog as it stayed under the second half betting total of 75.5 points.
Winner: Gonzaga
ATS winner: South Carolina
Over/under: Over
Sunday's Elite Eight games
5:05 p.m.
No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (-2) vs.
No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats
Closing total: 161.5
Score: North Carolina 75, Kentucky 73
North Carolina grabbed a 6-0 lead and maintained between a 4- and 8-point lead the rest of the half on the way to covering as a 1-point, first-half favorite, 38-33, as it stayed under the first half betting total of 76.5 points. The Wildcats clawed back in the second half and led 64-59 with 5:12 to play (and North Carolina was available at plus-280 on the money line in in-play betting at the Westgate SuperBook).
The Tar Heels roared right back with a 12-0 run to lead 71-64 with 54 seconds to play only to have Kentucky re-rally to tie it at 73-73 on Malik Monk's 3-pointer with 10 seconds left. UNC's Luke Maye then hit a jumper just inside the 3-point arc for the 75-73 final that landed on the closing number of North Carolina minus-2 (though early Kentucky backers were able to cash on plus-3 and plus-2.5). The game never threatened the over/under of 161.5. Kentucky also covered the second half, 40-37, as a 1-point, second-half favorite, though it also stayed under the second-half total of 85.
Winner: North Carolina
ATS winner: Push
Over/under: Under
2:20 p.m.
No. 4 Florida Gators (-3) vs.No. 7 South Carolina Gamecocks
Closing total: 136
Score: South Carolina 77, Florida 70
There were eight lead changes in the first half before Florida went up 40-33 at halftime, covering as a 1.5-point, first-half favorite as it went over the first-half total of 63 points. South Carolina rallied back and the final 10 minutes were mostly back-and-forth with the Gamecocks pulling away in the final three minutes to pull the upset, 77-70, as 3-point underdogs and plus-145 on the money line. The game went over the closing total of 136 on KeVaughn Allen's layup with 53.7 seconds to play. The Gamecocks also won the second half 44-30 as 1-point, second-half favorites and it went over the second-half total of 73.5 points on Duane Notice's breakaway dunk with 11 seconds left.
Winner: South Carolina
ATS winner: South Carolina (underdog)
Over/under: Over
Saturday's Elite Eight games
8:45 p.m.
No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks (-6.5) vs.No. 3 Oregon Ducks
Closing total: 158
Score: Oregon 74, Kansas 60
Oregon led most of the first half and Tyler Dorsey hit two 3-pointers in the final minute to give the Ducks a 44-33 halftime lead, easily covering as 4-point, first-half underdogs as it went over the first-half total of 75 on Dorsey's trey with 3 seconds left. Oregon led by double digits most of the second half, though Kansas did make one run to get within 66-60 on Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk's 3-pointer with 2:53 to play, but the Jayhawks didn't score again and Oregon coasted to the outright upset of plus-300 on the money line. The Ducks outscored the Jayhawks 30-27 in the second half to cover again as 7.5-point, second-half underdogs as it stayed well under the second-half total of 84.
Winner: Oregon
ATS winner: Oregon (underdog)
Over/under: Under
6:05 p.m.
No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (-8.5) vs.
No. 11 Xavier Musketeers
Closing total: 145
Score: Gonzaga 83, Xavier 59
Xavier led 2-0 and 4-3, but that was short-lived as Gonzaga quickly took control and extended to a 49-39 halftime lead, covering as a five-point, first-half favorite as the first half flew over the 67.5 points. Gonzaga continued the dominance in the second half, outscoring Xavier 34-20 as it also covered as a two-point, second-half fave on the way to easily covering for the game as an 8.5-point favorite. With the Bulldogs so far ahead, the endgame didn't turn into a foul-fest, and the game stayed under the betting total of 145 (even though the first half went over by 20.5 points) as the second-half total stayed under 80 by 26 points.
Winner: Gonzaga
ATS winner: Gonzaga (favorite)
Over/under: Under
Friday's Sweet 16 games
7:05 p.m.
No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (-7) vs.
No. 4 Butler Bulldogs
Closing total: 155
Score: North Carolina 92, Butler 80
The Tar Heels led just 10-9 early but then went on a 20-5 run to lead 30-14. Butler cut the lead to 8 at 40-32, but a 12-0 helped the Tar Heels to lead 52-36 at halftime and easily cover as 4-point, first-half favorites (and going way over the first-half total of 73). North Carolina pretty much coasted to the 92-80 victory, covering as a 7-point favorite for the game and going over 155 total points. Butler actually covered as a 1/2-point, second-half favorite, 44-40, and it just sneaked over the second-half total of 83.5 on the Bulldogs' final free throw.
Winner: North Carolina
ATS winner: North Carolina (favorite)
Over/under: Over
7:25 p.m.
No. 3 Baylor Bears (-3) vs.No. 7 South Carolina Gamecocks
Closing total: 135
Score: South Carolina 70, Baylor 50
Baylor actually led 1-0 and the game was tied 15-15, but otherwise South Carolina picked up where it left off in last Sunday's upset of Duke in dominating the first half and bolting to a 37-22 halftime lead. The Gamecocks did it as 1.5-point, first-half underdogs and it stayed under the first-half total of 62.5 points. South Carolina continued its dominating performance by winning the second half, 33-28, as 6-point, second-half 'dogs as it stayed under the second-half total of 73 points on the way as 'dog/under won both halves as well as the game result with the Gamecocks winning outright, 70-50, as three-point underdogs and +140 on the money line while it stayed under the game total of 135.
Winner: South Carolina
ATS winner: South Carolina (underdog)
Over/under: Under
9:35 p.m.
No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats vs.
No. 3 UCLA Bruins (-1.5)
Closing total: 167.5
Score: Kentucky 86, UCLA 75
UCLA was favored despite being a No. 3 seed playing No. 2 Kentucky. It was a back-and-forth first half, but Kentucky led 36-33 at halftime to cover the first half that closed pick 'em (it stayed under the first-half total of 79 points). The Wildcats took control in the second half, led by freshmen De'Aaron Fox with 39 points and Malik Monk with 21, as UCLA was never able to mount a sustained run. The Wildcats coasted to the 86-75 victory as 1.5-point underdogs and even money on the money line. Kentucky also covered the second half, 50-42, as a 1.5-point underdog as it went over the second-half total of 87.5 points.
Winner: Kentucky
ATS winner: Kentucky (underdog)
Over/under: Under
9:55 p.m.
No. 4 Florida Gators vs.
No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers (-1.5)
Closing total: 131
Score: Florida 84, Wisconsin 83 (OT)
Wisconsin led by as many as 10 points and controlled most of the first half, but Florida had a 9-2 run to take a 34-32 lead into halftime and covered the first-half line that closed pick 'em (it went over the first-half total of 60.5 points). In a reversal of the first half, Florida led most of the second and was ahead 72-64 with 1:44 to play, but Wisconsin scored the last eight points in regulation, including Zak Showalter's 3-pointer with 3 seconds left, to force the first overtime of this year's NCAA tournament. The extra session came down to the final seconds with the Badgers having the chance at the victory as Nigel Hayes was fouled with 4 seconds left and made both free throws for an 83-81 lead, but they left too much time on the clock and Chris Chiozza made a running 3-pointer as time expired to give the Gators the 84-83 victory and landed the final margin on the closing line of Florida -1 for a push. The game had already gone the closing total of 131 before overtime. Wisconsin did end up covering the second-half line (which includes overtime and closed pick 'em), 51-50, and it went over the second-half total of 70.
Winner: Florida
ATS winner: Push
Over/under: Over
Friday betting recap
Underdogs went 2-1-1 ATS for the second straight night with South Carolina and Kentucky pulling outright upsets. North Carolina was the only favorite to cover and the push was in the final game of the night, Florida beating Wisconsin 84-83 in overtime as a 1-point favorite. Overs and unders split 2-2.
Tournament update: Underdogs improve to 30-23-2 ATS (56.6 percent) with one game closing pick 'em. Overs still lead 32-23-1 (58.2 percent) overall.
Thursday's Sweet 16 games
7:05 p.m.
No. 3 Oregon Ducks vs.
No. 7 Michigan Wolverines (-1)
Closing total: 148.5
Score: Oregon 69, Michigan 68
Michigan closed as a 1-point favorite despite being a No. 7 seed playing No. 3 Oregon. It was a back-and-forth first half with the Ducks grabbing a 35-33 halftime lead (covering as 1/2-point first-half underdogs and staying just under the first-half total of 69.5). Oregon extended its lead to as many as six points in the second half but Michigan rallied and led several times, the last being 68-67 before Tyler Dorsey's layup put Oregon ahead for good at 69-68 with 1:09 to play. The Ducks won and covered as 1-point dogs and the game stayed under 147.5 total points. The second-half betting results were as close as the first half with Michigan winning 35-34 as a 1/2-point favorite and it stayed under 69.5 with no scoring in the last 69 seconds.
Winner: Oregon
ATS winner: Oregon (underdog)
Over/under: Under
7:35 p.m.
No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (-3) vs.
No. 4 West Virginia Mountaineers
Closing total: 150
Score: Gonzaga 61, West Virginia 58
The game was tied 30-30 at halftime with West Virginia covering as a 1.5-point first-half underdog, and it stayed under the first-half total of 70.5 points. Gonzaga used an 11-3 run early in the second half to take an eight-point lead, but the Mountaineers used their relentless press to take the lead at 49-47 and set up a back-and-forth finish. Jordan Matthew's 3-pointer with 50 seconds left put Gonzaga up 60-58 and the Bulldogs held on for the 3-point victory that pushed against the closing point spread. Some books went to 3.5 during the week, so some sharp WVU shoppers cashed in on the underdog. The game never threatened the over/under of 150. Gonzaga also won the second half at 31-28 and (barely) covered as a 2.5-point second-half favorite and it stayed under the second-half total of 77.5 points.
Winner: Gonzaga
ATS winner: Push
Over/under: Under
9:35 p.m.
No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks (-5.5) vs.
No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers
Closing total: 156
Score: Kansas 98, Purdue 66
Purdue led by as many as eight points in the first half, but Kansas went on a 22-7 run to lead 47-40 at halftime, covering as a 3-point first-half favorite (it flew over the first-half total of 73.5 points). It was more of the same in the second half as Kansas stayed hot and Purdue kept turning the ball over as the Jayhawks ended up easily covering the 5.5-point spread. Kansas also easily covered as a 3-point, second-half fave (winning the second half 51-26) and it went over the second-half total of 73.5 as the game total also went over 156.
Winner: Kansas
ATS winner: Kansas (favorite)
Over/under: Over
10:05 p.m.
No. 2 Arizona Wildcats (-7.5) vs.No. 11 Xavier Musketeers
Closing total: 145
Score: Xavier 73, Arizona 71
Arizona jumped out to leads of 7-0 and 10-2, but Xavier battled back to trail 37-35 at halftime and cover as a 4-point, first-half underdog as it went over the first-half total of 68 points. The game was back-and-forth in the second half as both teams had 7-0 runs and Arizona actually pulled ahead by more than the spread at 69-61 with 3:45 to play, but Xavier finished with a 12-2 run (capped by Sean O'Mara's go-ahead bucket with 44 seconds to play) to pull the upset at an average of +315 on the money line in Vegas (high of +340 at Boyd Gaming and CG Technology books), the biggest money-line upset so far in the NCAA tournament. Xavier also won the second half 38-34 as a 4-point 'dog as it was under the second-half total of 77.5 points.
Winner: Xavier
ATS winner: Xavier (underdog)
Over/under: Under
Thursday betting recap
Underdogs went 2-1-1 ATS in tonight's Sweet 16 games with Oregon and Xavier pulling outright upsets. The push was Gonzaga's 3-point win over West Virginia (though some bettors were able to get WVU +3.5 during the week, so some would say 'dogs were 3-1 ATS). Unders went 3-1 on the night.
Tournament update: Underdogs improve to 28-22-1 ATS (56 percent) with one game closing pick 'em. Overs still lead 30-21-1 (58.8 percent) overall.
Sunday's games
Sunday recap: Underdogs dominated the day at 6-2 ATS, though Michigan (+145) and South Carolina (+280) were the only ones to pull outright upsets. Overs and unders split 4-4.
Tournament update: Underdogs improved to 26-21-1 ATS (55.3 percent) through the first two rounds. Over/unders had a second straight 4-4 day, but overs still lead 29-18-1 (61.7 percent).
9:40 p.m.
No. 3 UCLA Bruins (-4) vs.
No. 6 Cincinnati Bearcats
Closing total: 154
Score: UCLA 79, Cincinnati 67
Cincinnati led 33-30 after a closely contested first half, but UCLA took control after halftime and slowly extended its lead to win by double digits and easily cover as 4-point favorites. The game stayed just under the total of 154 points.
Winner: UCLA
ATS winner: UCLA (favorite)
Over/under: Under
8:40 p.m.
No. 2 Duke Blue Devils (-6.5) vs.No. 7 South Carolina Gamecocks
Closing total: 146
Score: South Carolina 88, Duke 81
Duke led 30-23 at halftime, but it took just over five minutes of the second half for South Carolina to outscore Duke 19-11 to take a lead at 42-41. The Gamecocks slowly took control and led by as many as 11 points (and 10 several times) as they held the Blue Devils at bay and pulled off an outright upset at plus-280 on the money line. That tied USC (over SMU) and Xavier (over Florida State) for the biggest moneyline price to cash so far in the tournament, though it closed as high as plus-310 at Caesars and plus-300 at Stations. The game flew over the total of 146.
Winner: South Carolina
ATS winner: South Carolina (underdog)
Over/under: Over
7:45 p.m.
No. 3 Baylor Bears (-5.5) vs.
No. 11 USC Trojans
Closing total: 142.5
Score: Baylor 82, USC 78
USC trailed at halftime (per usual) but took the lead in the second half before Baylor bounced back. Baylor led 82-76 in the closing seconds (more than the closing 5.5-point spread, though some USC backers were still covering at plus-7.5 down to plus-6.5). De'Anthony Melton missed a 3-pointer, but Chimezie Metu deflected the ball back at the basket, and it went in at the buzzer for an 82-78 final and covering the number for all USC bettors. The game flew over the total of 142.5.
Winner: Baylor
ATS winner: USC (underdog)
Over/under: Over
7:10 p.m.
No. 3 Oregon Ducks (-5) vs.
No. 11 Rhode Island Rams
Closing total: 144.5
Score: Oregon 75, Rhode Island 72
Rhode Island led 46-38 at halftime, but Oregon rallied in the second half, and the game went down to the wire. Tyler Dorsey's 3-pointer with 40 seconds left gave the Ducks a 75-72 lead (and put the game over the total of 144.5). Rhode Island's E.C. Matthews threw up an air ball in the closing seconds, and the clock expired, but Rams' point-spread backers still covered.
Winner: Oregon
ATS winner: Rhode Island (underdog)
Over/under: Over
6:10 p.m.
No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (-11.5) vs.
No. 8 Arkansas Razorbacks
Closing total: 165.5
Score: North Carolina 72, Arkansas 65
North Carolina led by 17 points in the first half, at 30-13, but Arkansas stormed back to within 38-33 by halftime and actually took the lead in the second half. The Razorbacks (who were +700 on the money line) last led at 65-60 with 3:31 to play but didn't score the rest of the game. North Carolina regained control and pulled away to win by seven but fell short of covering the huge, 11.5-point spread. The game never came close to threatening the betting total of 165.5 points.
Winner: North Carolina
ATS winner: Arkansas (underdog)
Over/under: Under
5:15 p.m.
No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks (-8) vs.
No. 9 Michigan State Spartans
Closing total: 149
Score: Kansas 90, Michigan State 70
The game was tied 27-27 with five minutes left in the first half, but Kansas pulled ahead 40-35 by halftime. The Spartans were still within the point spread at 73-65 with six minutes to play, but the Jayhawks outscored them 17-5 the rest of the way to easily cover the spread. The game went over the betting total of 149 points with nearly three minutes to spare.
Winner: Kansas
ATS winner: Kansas (favorite)
Over/under: Over
2:40 p.m.
No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats (-3.5) vs.
No. 10 Wichita State Shockers
Closing total: 149.5
Score: Kentucky 65, Wichita State 62
This was a close game throughout. Kentucky took a 58-51 lead with 4:09 to play, but Wichita State rallied to pull within a point at 63-62 on Landry Shamet's 3-pointer with 56 seconds remaining. The only other scoring in the final minute was Malik Monk's two free throws with 10 seconds to play, as Shamet's 3-pointer at the buzzer was blocked by Edrice Adebayo. Wichita State held on for the cover. (Note: Some Kentucky bettors got a push, as the line dropped to -3 at some books.) The game never threatened the betting total of 149.5 points.
Winner: Kentucky
ATS winner: Wichita State (underdog)
Over/under: Under
12:10 p.m.
No. 2 Louisville Cardinals (-3) vs. No. 7 Michigan Wolverines
Closing total: 143
Score: Michigan 73, Louisville 69
Louisville led most of the first half and pulled ahead 36-28 at halftime. But Michigan rallied in the second half, taking over the lead just after the 9-minute mark and holding off the Cardinals' rally to pull the upset at +145 on the money line. The game fell just short of the total of 143 points as D.J. Wilson blocked Louisville's final shot and Derrick Walton Jr. dribbled out the final seconds (note: early over bettors cashed, as all Vegas and offshore books opened the over/under between 139.5 and 140.5).
Winner: Michigan
ATS winner: Michigan (underdog)
Over/under: Under
Saturday's games
The outright upsets by Wisconsin and Xavier over Villanova and Florida State were the big news of the day, but favorites went 4-3 ATS on the day with one game -- the very last one -- closing at pick 'em. Overs and unders split 4-4 after overs started the day 3-1.
Tournament update: After entering the day ahead 17-15 ATS, underdogs now lead just 20-19-1 ATS. After entering the day at 21-10-1, overs cooled off a little but are still an impressive 25-14-1 (61.5 percent).
9:40 p.m.
No. 4 Purdue Boilermakers (PK) vs.
No. 5 Iowa State Cyclones
Closing total: 155
Score: Purdue 80, Iowa State 76
In the first game of the tournament to close pick 'em, Purdue looked like it would win in a rout, as it led 44-31 at halftime and by as many as 19 points. However, a 12-0 run midway through the second half put the Cyclones back in the game, and they led 73-71 with 3:11 to play before Purdue regained the lead and held on for the win and cover. The game sneaked right over the betting total of 155 on P.J. Thompson's free throw with eight seconds left, which put Purdue up by two possessions.
Winner: Purdue
ATS winner: Purdue (pick 'em)
Over/under: Over
8:50 p.m.
No. 4. Florida Gators (-1.5) vs.
No. 5 Virginia Cavaliers
Closing total: 126
Score: Florida 65, Virginia 39
Virginia led 13-11, but Florida went on a 20-4 run to lead 31-17 at halftime and coasted in the second half for an easy win and cover. It was the biggest rout of the day from what was expected to be an evenly matched No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup. The game stayed well under the betting total of 126 points.
Winner: Florida
ATS winner: Florida (favorite)
Over/under: Under
8:20 p.m.
No. 2 Arizona Wildcats (-5.5) vs.
No. 7 St. Mary's Gaels
Closing total: 137
Score: Arizona 69, St. Mary's 60
St. Mary's led by as many as 10 points in the first half before having its lead cut to 30-29 at halftime. Arizona carried the momentum to take the lead, but St. Mary's was within the spread at 65-60 with 1:55 to play. The Gaels didn't score the rest of the way, and Arizona covered for its backers. Favorites and underdogs are now 3-3 ATS on the day. The game stayed under the total of 137 points, as over/unders moved to 3-3 on the day.
Winner: Arizona
ATS winner: Arizona (favorite)
Over/under: Under
7:10 p.m.
No. 4 Butler Bulldogs (-2.5) vs.
No. 12 Middle Tennessee State
Closing total: 139.5
Score: Butler 74, Middle Tennessee State 65
Butler led wire-to-wire and was mostly in control, but Middle Tennessee State, despite falling behind by as many as 12 points, pulled within three at 59-56 with 3:40 to play. Butler pulled away for the win and cover. MTSU was a popular underdog play by bettors in Vegas, as the line dropped from Butler -4.5 to -2.5. The game stayed just under the average closing total of 139.5 points as MTSU missed its final shot and didn't foul Butler in the last 26 seconds.
Winner: Butler
ATS winner: Butler (favorite)
Over/under: Under
6:10 p.m.
No. 3 Florida State Seminoles (-7.5) vs.No. 11 Xavier Musketeers
Closing total: 154.5
Score: Xavier 91, Florida State 66
Xavier pretty much dominated from the start, despite being a much lower seed. The Musketeers led 44-34 at halftime and extended the lead in the second half as they pulled the upset at +280 on the money line (which tied USC's upset of SMU as the largest money line upset in this year's NCAA tournament, though it closed as high as +310 at the Westgate and Golden Nugget). The game went over the total of 154.5, continuing the dominance of overs, as they improved to 3-1 on Saturday after entering the day at 21-10-1.
Winner: Xavier
ATS winner: Xavier (underdog)
Over/under: Over
5:25 p.m.
No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (-11) vs.
No. 8 Northwestern Wildcats
Closing total: 140.5
Score: Gonzaga 79, Northwestern 73
Gonzaga dominated early and was already covering the closing 11-point spread by halftime with a 38-20 lead. However, Northwestern rallied almost all the way back in the second half (a non-call on an apparent goaltending violation that would have cut the lead to three hurt its chances), but the Wildcats still got the cover for their point-spread backers. The game went over the total of 140.5.
Winner: Gonzaga
ATS winner: Northwestern (underdog)
Over/under: Over
2:40 p.m.
No. 1 Villanova Wildcats (-5.5) vs.No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers
Closing total: 133.5
Score: Wisconsin 65, Villanova 62
Wisconsin broke out to a 9-3 lead and led 31-27 at halftime. Villanova took the lead during the second half, and Wisconsin had to bench senior leader Bronson Koenig with four fouls. However, Koenig scored eight points in the final 4:25 and combined with Nigel Hayes' inside game to take the defending champions to the wire. After taking a timeout with the score tied 62-62 and 20 seconds remaining, it was clear that Wisconsin would cover as 5.5-point underdogs (unless the game went to overtime), but then Hayes' layup with 11 seconds left put the Badgers ahead 64-62, and Villanova's Josh Hart turned the ball over. Vitto Brown made the first of two free throws to put the Badgers up 65-62. He missed the second, but Villanova didn't have time for a good shot, and Wisconsin had the upset at +230 on the money line. The game fell short of the betting total of 133.5 points.
Winner: Wisconsin
ATS winner: Wisconsin (underdog)
Over/under: Under
12:10 p.m.
No. 4 West Virginia Mountaineers (-2.5) vs.
No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Closing total: 150
Score: West Virginia 83, Notre Dame 71
The Mountaineers never trailed as they jumped out to a 10-0 lead. Notre Dame did rally a few times, but West Virginia had an answer every time and kept the Irish from getting back inside the spread. Similar to the first round when overs went 21-10-1, this first game of the second round sneaked over the betting total in the final minute.
Winner: West Virginia
ATS winner: West Virginia (favorite)
Over/under: Over
Friday's betting recap
12:15 p.m.
No. 7 Michigan Wolverines (-2.5) vs.
No. 10 Oklahoma State Cowboys
Closing total: 155
Score: Michigan 92, Oklahoma State 91
This was a back-and-forth battle that could have gone either way, but Michigan took control late and sealed the straight-up victory when D.J. Wilson made two free throws to put the Wolverines ahead 92-88 (and over the 2.5-point spread) with four seconds to play. However, in a scene that drew comparisons to Chris Duhon's famous "meaningless" 3-pointer in Duke's 2004 Final Four loss to UConn, Oklahoma State's Jawun Evans dribbled up and launched a 3-pointer at the buzzer that made the final 92-91, gave the cover to OSU backers and dealt Michigan backers a classic bad beat.
Note: There are some early Michigan bettors who won with the opening line of pick 'em at some books as well as some who pushed on -1, but the vast majority of Michigan backers didn't cash. The game flew over the total of 155.
Winner: Michigan
ATS winner: Oklahoma State (underdog)
Over/under: Over
12:40 p.m.
No. 3 Baylor Bears (-11.5) vs.
No. 14 New Mexico State Aggies
Closing total: 135
Score: Baylor 91, New Mexico State 73
New Mexico State actually led 40-38 at halftime, but Baylor used a 14-3 run early in the second half to take control and also cover the 11.5-point spread, as the Bears avoided being ousted in the first round for the third year in a row. The game went well over the betting total of 135 points.
Winner: Baylor
ATS winner: Baylor (favorite)
Over/under: Over
1:30 p.m.
No. 8 Arkansas Razorbacks vs.
No. 9 Seton Hall Pirates (-1)
Closing total: 147
Score: Arkansas 77, Seton Hall 71
Indicative of an 8-9 matchup and a point spread that was very close to pick 'em (No. 8-seed Arkansas opened as a 1-point favorite, but No. 9 Seton Hall closed as a 1-point fave), this was a very close game throughout, but it was marred by a controversial flagrant foul 1 call late in the game. Arkansas led 72-71 when Jaylen Barford was fouled by Seton Hall's Desi Rodriguez. Barford made the two free throws, and the Razorbacks also retained possession, which helped them pull away. The extra two free throws also helped the game climb over the betting total of 147 points.
Winner: Arkansas
ATS winner: Arkansas (underdog)
Over/under: Over
2:00
No. 3 Oregon Ducks (-15.5) vs.
No. 14 Iona Gaels
Closing total: 157
Score: Oregon 93, Iona 77
Oregon led 55-37 at halftime and by as many as 27 points in the second half, but Iona rallied to put the game right around the spread in the closing minutes. The Gaels pulled within 16 with 40.3 seconds remaining and got a blocked shot from Taylor Bessick to regain possession, but Sam Cassell Jr. missed a 3-point attempt that would have secured a back-door cover and Oregon dribbled out the clock. The game went over the betting total of 157 points and completed the early window of four games all going over.
Winner: Oregon
ATS winner: Oregon (favorite)
Over/under: Over
2:45
No. 2 Louisville Cardinals (-18.5) vs.
No. 15 Jacksonville State Gamecocks
Closing total: 133.5
Score: Louisville 78, Jacksonville State 63
After a slow start, Louisville took control by halftime but wasn't able to really extend the lead to get clear of the point spread in the second half, as Jacksonville State held on for the cover. The game also went the total of 133.5 to improve overs to 5-0 on the day.
Winner: Louisville
ATS winner: Jacksonville State (underdog)
Over/under: Over
3:10
No. 6 SMU Mustangs (-7.5) vs. No. 11 USC Trojans
Closing total: 141.5
Score: USC 66, SMU 65
As it did in the First Four, USC fell behind by double digits but then rallied. The Trojans ended the game on a 23-12 run to pull off the outright upset as 7.5-point underdogs and +280 on the money line. This was the biggest upset so far in the tournament as the other three outright upsets were underdogs of 2, 2 and 1 points (Xavier, Northwestern, Arkansas). The game stayed well under the betting total of 141.5 (though over bettors were cheering for overtime) and was the first under of Friday after five straight overs.
Winner: USC
ATS winner: USC (underdog)
Over/under: Under
4:00
No. 1 North Carolina Tar Heels (-26.5) vs.
No. 16 Texas Southern Tigers
Closing total: 157
Score: North Carolina 104, Texas Southern 64
The Tar Heels thoroughly dominated their overmatched opponent as they almost reached the huge 26.5-point spread with a 52-27 halftime lead and then coasted the rest of the way, easily covering the spread. The game also went over the betting total of 157 points.
Winner: North Carolina
ATS winner: North Carolina (favorite)
Over/under: Over
4:30
No. 6 Creighton Bluejays vs. No. 11 Rhode Island Rams (-2)
Closing total: 144
Score: Rhode Island 84, Creighton 72
Rhode Island continued its momentum as it went wire-to-wire in winning its ninth straight game after being on the NCAA bubble down the stretch of the regular season before winning the A-10 conference tournament. This wasn't an upset, however, as bettors made Rhode Island the favorite after bookmakers opened Creighton as a short fave. The game went the betting total of 144 points in garbage time with less than two minutes remaining to improve overs to 7-1 on the day and 16-7-1 (69.6 percent) overall.
Winner: Rhode Island
ATS winner: Rhode Island (favorite)
Over/under: Over
6:50
No. 1 Kansas Jayhawks (-23) vs.
No. 16 UC Davis Aggies
Closing total: 144.5
Score: Kansas 100, UC Davis 62
This was actually tied 8.5 minutes into the game, but then the Jayhawks started to roll and led 50-28 (nearly the 23-point spread for the game) and coasted to the win and easy cover in the second half. Kansas' offensive explosion also sent this over the betting total of 144.5.
Winner: Kansas
ATS winner: Kansas (favorite)
Over/under: Over
7:10
No. 7 Dayton Flyers vs. No. 10 Wichita State Shockers (-6.5)
Closing total: 144.5
Score: Wichita State 64, Dayton 58
This game was close throughout, with Wichita State finally taking control at the end, though Dayton kept within striking distance. This also kept the spread in play, which was much-discussed this week with the No. 10 seed being such a big favorite over a No. 7. In the end, the Shockers won, but the Flyers kept it close enough to cover. That was in doubt until Scoochie Smith missed Dayton's final shot and it was rebounded by Wichita State's Rashard Kelly with four seconds left. Two Flyers reached out as if to foul him, but no foul was called and time expired with the six-point margin. The game never came close to threatening the betting total of 144.5 points.
Winner: Wichita State
ATS winner: Dayton (underdog)
Over/under: Under
7:20
No. 2 Duke Blue Devils (-19.5) vs.
No. 15 Troy Trojans
Closing total: 155.5
Score: Duke 87, Troy 65
Duke jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the opening 30 seconds and also led 10-2 and 16-4 and coasted the rest of the way. The ATS winner was in doubt until the very end as Troy pulled within the spread at 83-64 with 1:15 to play. However, Duke's Frank Jackson and backup Javin DeLaurier made baskets in the final minute while Troy was only able to add a free throw, and the Blue Devils covered for their backers. The game stayed under the betting total of 155.5 points as Troy was too far behind to foul and extend the game.
Winner: Duke
ATS winner: Duke (favorite)
Over/under: Under
7:27 p.m.
No. 6 Cincinnati Bearcats (-3) vs.
No. 11 Kansas State Wildcats
Closing total: 130.5
Score: Cincinnati 75, Kansas State 61
Cincinnati took control early, led 39-28 at halftime and kept a comfortable lead most of the game for the win and cover. It looked like the game might stay under the betting total of 130.5 with both teams pretty much running out the clock and not fouling in the closing minutes, but Gary Clark's layup with 1:33 to play put it over.
Winner: Cincinnati
ATS winner: Cincinnati (favorite)
Over/under: Over
9:20 p.m.
No. 8 Miami Hurricanes (-2.5) vs. No. 9 Michigan State Spartans
Closing total: 127.5
Score: Michigan State 78, Miami 58
The Hurricanes led by as many as 12 points in the first half, but the Spartans used a 20-2 run to move ahead by 38-27 at halftime and coasted the rest of the way. This was expected to be a low-scoring game (as the 127.5-point betting total was the lowest of the first round), but the game went over with three minutes to spare.
Winner: Michigan State
ATS winner: Michigan State (underdog)
Over/under: Over
9:40 p.m.
No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats (-20) vs.
No. 15 Northern Kentucky Norse
Closing total: 155.5
Score: Kentucky 79, Northern Kentucky 70
Kentucky led by 18 points with 8:17 to play and looked like they would cover the 20-point spread for their backers, but the Norse rallied and actually got within seven points with 35 seconds remaining before losing by nine (but covering the spread by a wide margin). The game stayed under the betting total of 155.5.
Winner: Kentucky
ATS winner: Northern Kentucky (underdog)
Over/under: Under
9:50 p.m.
No. 7 South Carolina Gamecocks vs.
No. 10 Marquette Golden Eagles (-1)
Closing total: 143.5
Score: South Carolina 93, Marquette 73
Marquette led 40-39 at halftime, but South Carolina used an 11-0 run midway through the second half to pull away. But even though this was a No. 7 seed beating a No. 10, it was an upset as Marquette was bet to a 1-point favorite. The game flew over the betting total of 143.5 points.
Winner: South Carolina
ATS winner: South Carolina (underdog)
Over/under: Over
9:57 p.m.
No. 3 UCLA Bruins (-20) vs.
No. 14 Kent State Golden Flashes
Closing total: 163.5
Score: UCLA 97, Kent State 80
UCLA jumped out to a 20-5 lead, but Kent State clawed back to within 47-39 by halftime and within four points early in the second half before the Bruins extended their lead again. UCLA actually led by 24 points at 94-70 with 2:54 to play (and putting the game over the betting total of 163.5), but the Golden Flashes finished on a 10-3 run to get the backdoor cover.
Winner: UCLA
ATS winner: Kent State (underdog)
Over/under: Over
Friday recap: Favorites won 12 of the 16 games Friday, but favorites/underdogs went 8-8 ATS. Favorites were 8-4 ATS through the first three sessions, but underdogs swept the four late-night games to earn the split. The first five games Friday went over their totals, and overs went 12-4 (75 percent) on the day.
Tournament update: After going 9-7 ATS on Thursday, the 8-8 ATS mark on Friday leaves underdogs ahead 17-15 ATS (53.1 percent) after the first round. After going 9-6-1 Friday, overs are now 21-10-1 (67.7 percent) overall.
Thursday betting recap
• Among the winning bets at William Hill on Thursday were two large money-line wagers on No. 1 seeds Gonzaga and Villanova. According to Michael Grodsky, vice president of marketing for William Hill, a bettor put $5,000 on Gonzaga to beat 16-seed South Dakota State straight up. The Zags won, earning the bettor a net $50 profit.
Later in the day, Grodsky said a different bettor put down $5,000 on No. 1-seed Villanova at -15,000 odds. The Wildcats led by only one at halftime but pulled away in the second half to secure the bettor a $33.35 profit.
• After a bumpy start, bettors finished strong in Thursday's late tournament games. The favorite-and-over combination, almost always the betting public's preference, went 7-1 at some shops to close out an up-and-down day for the books.
"We were sitting pretty until the 4 p.m. [PT] games started," Frank Kunovic, director of specialty games at Caesars Palace, told ESPN in an email. "[We] went from up seven figures to down multiple six figures with all late games."
In addition to Caesars, the books at MGM, Westgate SuperBook, CG Technology and South Point also reported tough finishes to Thursday.
• While Thursday's late results weren't kind to the books, the handle -- the amount bet -- on the tournament's first full day was enormous. "We wrote half the amount of our entire Super Bowl handle just yesterday," South Point sportsbook director Chris Andrews said in a text message Friday morning. "I hope to match it today."
Thursday's games
12:15 p.m.
No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (-6.5) vs.
No. 12 Princeton Tigers
Closing total: 134
Score: Notre Dame 60, Princeton 58
The Fighting Irish led most of the game, but Princeton stayed within striking distance and had a chance to take a lead on a 3-pointer by Devin Cannady in the closing seconds. Notre Dame held on for the victory, but Princeton covered as a 6.5-point underdog. Under 134 was never in doubt.
Winner: Notre Dame
ATS winner: Princeton (underdog)
Over/under: Under
12:40 p.m.
No. 5 Virginia Cavaliers (-7.5) vs.
No. 12 UNC Wilmington Seahawks
Closing total: 134
Score: Virginia 76, UNC Wilmington 71
UNC Wilmington led by as many as 15 points in the first half as a 7.5-point underdog, but Virginia rallied to lead 30-29 at halftime and went on to win 76-71. The Cavaliers fell short of covering the spread, as the Seahawks kept the game close at the end to stay within the number. The game went well over the total of 134.
Winner: Virginia
ATS winner: UNC Wilmington (underdog)
Over/under: Over
1:30 p.m.
No. 4 Butler Bulldogs (-10.5) vs.
No. 13 Winthrop Eagles
Closing total: 145.5
Score: Butler 76, Winthrop 64
Butler was in control most of the game, leading 41-27 at halftime and by 17 points with eight minutes to play. Winthrop got close to a back-door cover but came up short in a 12-point loss, as Butler was the first favorite to cover Thursday. The game did land on the South Point's opening line of Butler -12. It also stayed under the total of 145.5.
Winner: Butler
ATS winner: Butler (favorite)
Over/under: Under
2 p.m.
No. 1 Gonzaga Bulldogs (-23.5) vs.
No. 16 South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Closing total: 156.5
Score: Gonzaga 66, South Dakota State 46
South Dakota State battled even with No. 1-seeded Gonzaga for most of the first half before trailing 26-22 at halftime. The Bulldogs pulled away in the second half and approached the huge point spread of -23.5, but South Dakota State held on for the cover. The game never threatened the over/under of 156.5.
Winner: Gonzaga
ATS winner: South Dakota State (underdog)
Over/under: Under
2:45 p.m.
No. 4 West Virginia Mountaineers (-13.5) vs.
No. 13 Bucknell Bison
Closing total: 148
Bucknell stayed close to West Virginia for most of the first half, until the Mountaineers took control and led 42-33 at halftime (and covered as eight-point first-half favorites). There were several times that West Virginia looked like it was going to pull away in the second half, but Bucknell kept it within the point spread, and underdogs improved to 4-1 ATS on the day. The game flew over the betting total of 148.
Winner: West Virginia
ATS winner: Bucknell (underdog)
Over/under: Over
3:10 p.m.
No. 4 Florida Gators (-9.5) vs.
No. 13 East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Closing total: 148
Score: Florida 80, East Tennessee State 65
Florida started out stone cold (missing its first eight 3-pointers and going 1-for-10 in the first) and led only 33-32 at halftime, but the Gators pulled away in the second half to not only win comfortably but also cover as 9.5-point favorites. The game fell just short of the betting total of 148 points.
Winner: Florida
ATS winner: Florida (favorite)
Over/under: Under
4 p.m.
No. 5 Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. No. 12 Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders (-1.5)
Closing total: 138
Score: Middle Tennessee State 81, Minnesota 72
After the two failed attempts, a No. 12 seed came through, as Middle Tennessee State led Minnesota by 17 points at one point and held off the Golden Gophers' rally to win by nine. However, it wasn't an upset in Vegas, as the Blue Raiders closed as 2-point favorites despite being a No. 12 seed against a No. 5. The game flew over the betting total of 138.
Winner: Middle Tennessee State
ATS winner: Middle Tennessee State (favorite)
Over/under: Over
4:30 p.m.
No. 8 Northwestern Wildcats vs.
No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores (-2)
Closing total: 130
Score: Northwestern 68, Vanderbilt 66
This 8 vs. 9 matchup looked like it could go either way when Vanderbilt, which closed as a 2-point favorite despite being the No. 9 seed, took a 66-65 lead with 18 seconds to play. However, despite having the lead, the Commodores fouled Northwestern's Bryant McIntosh in the backcourt, giving the Wildcats the lead, and they held on for their first NCAA tournament victory. It was an upset in Vegas' eyes (and the first outright upset of the day), as the Wildcats closed as 2-point underdogs and +120 on the money line. The game stayed under the betting total of 130 when under bettors avoided a possible overtime.
Winner: Northwestern
ATS winner: Northwestern (underdog)
Over/under: Over
Note: After Thursday's first eight games (the first two windows), favorites have won seven of the eight games, but underdogs are 5-3 ATS. Over/unders have split 4-4 so far.
6:50 p.m.
No. 6 Maryland Terrapins (-2) vs. No. 11 Xavier Musketeers
Closing total: 142
Score: Xavier 76, Maryland 65
This game was back and forth through the first half, but Xavier rode a 14-point run midway through the second to pull away for the upset as a 2-point underdog and +110 on the money line. It was only the second outright upset of the day to go with Northwestern's upset of Vanderbilt, also as a 2-point underdog. The game fell just short of the betting total of 142 with scores over the last 42 seconds.
Winner: Xavier
ATS winner: Xavier (underdog)
Over/under: Under
7:10 p.m.
No. 1 Villanova Wildcats (-25) vs.
No. 16 Mount St. Mary's Mountaineers
Closing total: 132
Score: Villanova 76, Mount St. Mary's 56
Mount St. Mary's surprisingly stayed with the defending champion and No. 1-seeded Wildcats through the first half as Villanova led just 30-29 at intermission. However, the Wildcats started the second half on a 21-6 run and coasted the rest of the way. In fact, it looked as if they still might cover the 25-point spread, but Mount St. Mary's held on for the cover as the huge underdog. The over/under pushed on the closing consensus total of 132 here in Vegas. While we're grading it a push, every sports book in Vegas and offshore opened between 133 and 134, so early under bettors got a win. Meanwhile, the total closed at 131.5 at a lot of books, so savvy over bettors also won on this total.
Winner: Villanova
ATS winner: Mount St. Mary's (underdog)
Over/under: Push
7:25 p.m.
No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers (-9) vs.
No. 14 Vermont Catamounts
Closing total: 134.5
Score: Purdue 80, Vermont 70
Vermont was a live underdog throughout, but Purdue's front line was ultimately too much as it won by 10 points and covered against the closing number (several books closed at -8.5) on a Caleb Swanigan free throw with 28 seconds to play. Both teams had a chance to score in the final minute but came up empty except for that lone made free throw. While late Purdue bettors cashed, there are some Vermont backers who were able to get +10.5 within the last 24 hours before the line dropped back into single digits. It pays to shop for the best price. The game went over the betting total of 134.5 points.
Winner: Purdue
ATS winner: Purdue (favorite)
Over/under: Over
7:30 p.m.
No. 7 Saint Mary's Gaels (-4.5) vs.
No. 10 VCU Rams
Closing total: 128.5
Score: Saint Mary's 85, VCU 77
Saint Mary's dominated early and led 46-31 at halftime and then held off a rally, as VCU led 56-54 midway through the second half before Saint Mary's got its second wind and pulled away for the cover. Thanks to the Gaels' hot shooting in the first half, the game flew over the total of 128.5.
Winner: Saint Mary's
ATS winner: Saint Mary's (favorite)
Over/under: Over
9:20 p.m.
No. 3 Florida State Seminoles (-11.5) vs.
No. 14 Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Closing total: 149.5
Score: Florida State 86, Florida Gulf Coast 80
Florida Gulf Coast threw a scare into Florida State and made a lot of people wonder whether it was 2013 all over again (when FGCU went to the Sweet 16 as a No. 15 seed) as the Eagles had the score at 74-70 with 9:27 to play. However, the Seminoles quickly built an 11-point lead and looked as if they might even cover the 11.5-point spread, but Gulf Coast closed the margin late to get the cover. The game flew over the total of 149.5.
Winner: Florida State
ATS winner: Florida Gulf Coast (underdog)
Over/under: Over
9:40 p.m.
No. 8 Wisconsin Badgers (-6) vs.
No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies
Closing total: 136
Score: Wisconsin 84, Virginia Tech 74
Wisconsin led most of the game but was up by only one point at 72-71 with 3:55 to play, but the Badgers closed on a 12-3 run with eight of those points coming from the free throw line to clinch the victory and cover the six-point spread, as the Hokies were unable to score down the stretch to stay inside the number. The game also flew over the total of 136, thanks in large part to Bronson Koenig's school-record eight 3-pointers and 28 points overall.
Winner: Wisconsin
ATS winner: Wisconsin (favorite)
Over/under: Over
9:50 p.m.
No. 2 Arizona Wildcats (-18.5) vs.
No. 15 North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Closing total: 147.5
Score: Arizona 100, North Dakota 82
On the way to hitting the century mark in a relatively easy win, Arizona jumped out to an early lead, but the point-spread result remained in doubt until the end. The Wildcats led by 21 at 100-79 when Rawle Alkins' layup put Arizona at 100 points with 1:32 to play. North Dakota's Devon Pekas hit a try with 38 seconds left to get within the closing spread and both teams missed shots and time ran out. North Dakota covered against the closing spread of +18.5, though there were plenty of early bettors who cashed on Arizona, which opened between -16.5 and -17.5 at books in Vegas. The game flew over 147.5 points, with 100 points scored in the first half along.
Winner: Arizona
ATS winner: North Dakota (underdog)
Over/under: Over
9:57 p.m.
No. 5 Iowa State Cyclones (-6) vs.
No. 12 North Nevada Wolf Pack
Closing total: 157.5
Score: Iowa State 84, Nevada 73
Iowa State jumped out to a 15-point first-half lead and still led 40-27 at halftime but then had to hold off Nevada in the second half. The drama came with the over/under of 157.5 as the score sat on 157 with 15 seconds left, but Nevada missed a 3-point attempt and Iowa State had a breakaway. But the player chose to dribble out the clock. Some bettors pushed if they bet the over/under at 157, while there were some books that closed at 156.5 and any late bettors could have won with the over (but, again, we're grading against the average closing number in Vegas).
Winner: Iowa State
ATS winner: Iowa State (favorite)
Over/under: Under
Note: Favorites won 14 of the 16 games played Thursday, but underdogs ended up going 9-7 ATS against the closing lines in Vegas after faves/'dogs went 4-4 ATS in the two late windows of games. Overs ended up 9-6-1 (60 percent) on the day after going 5-2-1 in the night sessions.