South Carolina WIN -8 (win by at least 9 points) and UNDER 121.5, +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
The Gamecocks have been the No. 1 team in the country and overwhelming favorite to win the natty since losing to the Cardinal in the championship a year ago. South Carolina’s defense is LEGIT, and that’s why we looooove them and the UNDER here.
Why pick the Gamecocks to cover?: South Carolina is devastating on the glass. The team boasts the highest rebounding margin in the country, and grabbed 20 more boards than Creighton in the Elite Eight. That translated into 15 second-chance points!!
Why pick the under?: South Carolina has the 6-foot-5 National Player of the Year AND Defensive Player of the Year Aliyah Boston, who averages 16.8 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.3 steals and sits No. 1 in win shares. Good luck scoring against her!!
Stanford WIN -1 (to win by at least 2 points) and UNDER 128.5, +265 (bet $100 to win $265)
The Cardinal is ready to run it back with a STOUT defense led by Cameron Brink. The 6-foot-5 forward, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year AND the squad’s leading scorer and rebounder is complimented by guard Haley Jones who passes with ease (3.7 assists) while crashing the boards (7.8 rebounds).
Why pick the Cardinal to cover?: We have a feeling their 23-game winning streak keeps rolling as UConn’s injury list is just too long to overcome. Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd are awesome, but Stanford’s frontline is STACKED.
Why pick the under?: This game could be close. We’re not overlooking the fact that UConn looks to be playing its best basketball of the season without suffering a loss since Feb. 9. The defense has allowed 50 or more points just five times since.