March Madness continue with the matches between Houston vs Illinois and Iowa State vs Wisconsin. We’ll give you a brief breakdown of each, and then we’ll give you our predictions so you can bet against their March Madness Odds. Enjoy another weekend of watching great college basketball action!
Men’s College Basketball March Madness Betting Preview for Must Wager 2nd Round Games
Houston Cougars vs Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Preview
We are through one round of the NCAA Tournament, and our matchup here includes the top seeds from their previous games.
It was not as easy as it seems, especially if you are Illinois but all you have to do is survive and advance. Houston held off a late run from UAB in the second half to beat the Blazers and move to Sunday.
This matchup is the first game of the day on Sunday when Illinois and Houston tip-off at 12:10 (ET) on CBS.
- Illinois Fighting Illini Notes
It was a scare on Friday night for Illinois in their first-round game against the Chattanooga Mocs. Chattanooga led for all but 25 seconds of the game. The Mocs made a run early, and Illinois would respond, but the Illini could never get over the hump and take the lead.
Kofi Cockburn was able to get to the line early and often, but the Illini could not capitalize. It was not until the second half where Illinois made their first three-pointer of the game.
Alfonso Plummer was big in the second half for Illinois making three, three-point shots. The Illini were able to capitalize late at the free-throw line and a big block from Coleman Hawkins late to seal the deal.
Illinois will be in a world of trouble if they play a similar game against Houston as they did with Chattanooga.
- Houston Cougars Notes
The champions of the American Athletic Conference, with a record of 30-5, come in as the #5 seed. They beat UAB 82-68 in the first round.
The Houston Cougars dominated on defense which led to the offensive outburst against the Blazers. They waited quite a bit to play their game, but it was all worthwhile for the Cougars.
Kyler Edwards led the way for the Cougars in the first-round win with 25 points. The senior leads the team in points per game this season with 13.9 points per game. The dangerous part about Houston is they have so many guys that can be a threat and score big-time points in a game.
Houston has to come out hot against if they really want to win this game. A chance to put Illinois behind the eight ball again would be a huge confidence boost for the Cougars.
Wisconsin Badgers vs Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
This was another wild first two games for both Wisconsin and Iowa State. The Badgers practically playing a home game and surviving against Colgate was not for the faint of hearts. Iowa State got the big and much-needed win over LSU in their first-round game.
This game is set for a 6:10 p.m. (ET) tip-off on CBS.
- Wisconsin Badgers Notes
What a treat for the Badgers and their fans for the first two rounds as they are playing in front of a large crowd in Milwaukee. You could feel the energy of the crowd down the stretch of the game as Wisconsin made the comeback over Colgate.
Johnny Davis came up big late with a few big three’s and getting to the rim, forcing Colgate to foul. Davis led the way for the Badgers with 25 points on the evening. Wisconsin cannot afford to let Iowa State hang around, or they could be sent home in front of their fans.
- Iowa State Cyclones Notes
The Cyclones should have a good following of their own in Milwaukee. Iowa State got an “upset” win over LSU as an 11 seed. I put upset in quotes because, in our opinion, it was not much of an upset.
With the issues that LSU has come across in the last few weeks, the Cyclones should have won this game.
Tyrese Hunter led the way and made multiple big shots in the end of this game. Hunter had 23 points on the evening to lead the Cyclones.
Hunter will have a tough task against Brad Davidson in the upcoming game against Wisconsin.
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